PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves, riding a strong start to the season, will open a three-game series against the struggling Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 87 degrees.

The Braves (12-7) enter having won six of their last eight, including a 6-3 victory over Miami on Wednesday. Atlanta’s offense has been potent, scoring six or more runs in seven games this season. Third baseman Austin Riley, who homered in the last game, is a key bat in the lineup.

Philadelphia (8-10) looks to halt a skid after being outscored 25-6 in consecutive losses to the Chicago Cubs, including an 11-2 defeat Wednesday.

The pitching matchup features left-hander Martín Pérez (0-1) for Atlanta against Philadelphia right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2). Pérez will try to navigate a Phillies order that has struggled for consistency, while Walker aims to improve upon a 6.43 ERA in his early outings.

A player to watch for Atlanta is right-hander Bryce Elder, who has been excellent in a hybrid role. In his last appearance Wednesday, he earned the win with 5 2/3 scoreless innings and seven strikeouts. Over his last four games, spanning 23 1/3 innings, he has allowed just two earned runs.

For the Phillies, reliever Kyle Backhus has been a frequent option, though with mixed results. He pitched 1 2/3 innings Wednesday, allowing one run. His season has been volatile, including a three-run outing against Texas on March 26.

Despite the Phillies’ sub-.500 record, Interstat’s ELO system gives them a 55.9% probability to win Friday. However, the same outlet’s game simulator projects a 6-3 Braves victory. Atlanta has been installed as a -1.5 run favorite, with an over/under of 9.5 runs.

This series begins a stretch where the division rivals will meet six times in 10 days. Following this weekend, the Braves travel to Washington for a four-game set, while the Phillies head to Chicago for four against the Cubs. They will reconvene in Atlanta next Friday.