Braves, Diamondbacks Set for Rematch in Phoenix

PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves look to continue their strong start when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday at Chase Field.

Atlanta (5-2) enters having won four of its last five, including a 17-2 rout of Arizona on Thursday to open this four-game series. Friday night’s contest was scoreless and suspended in the seventh inning due to a malfunctioning stadium light bank. It will be completed Sunday.

The Braves are scheduled to start right-hander Bryce Elder (1-0). Michael Soroka, also listed as a probable pitcher with a 1-0 record, is not expected to start Saturday. Elder will face a Diamondbacks lineup that has struggled early, with Arizona (3-4) dropping three of four.

Arizona will counter with right-hander Ryne Nelson (0-0, 3.86 ERA), who took the loss Thursday. Nelson allowed two earned runs on three hits over 4 2/3 innings against the Braves.

A key matchup will feature Nelson against Braves first baseman Matt Olson. Olson homered and drove in three runs in Thursday’s blowout and is 6 for 24 (.250) with four RBIs over his last seven games.

The Diamondbacks will hope for more production from Jordan Lawlar, whose solo homer provided one of their few highlights Thursday.

According to Interstat, the Braves are projected to win 3-2. Atlanta is a pregame favorite of 1.5 runs, and the over/under is set at 9.5.

Following the series, the Braves head to Anaheim for three games against the Los Angeles Angels beginning Monday. The Diamondbacks embark on a 10-game road trip starting Tuesday with three games against the New York Mets.