Tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET the Atlanta Braves (8-4) will head to Philadelphia where they'll open up a four-game set with the Phillies (6-6) at Citizens Bank Ballpark on ESPN. Live stream the series opener for free by clicking this link; Braves fans can find the radio broadcast on WCNN 680, while Phillies fans can tune in to 1210 WPHT. The Braves will have Ervin Santana (1-0, 0.00 ERA) on the mound against Roberto Hernandez (1-0, 4.35 ERA).
The Braves have started the year slow offensively, but picked it up in a big way during a three-game series over the weekend in which they swept the Washington Nationals. Chief among those picking up the pace offensively is outfielder Justin Upton, who is 11-for-14 in his past four games, and mashed four home runs with eight RBIs in that span.
Upton's partner in crime has been even better on the season. First baseman Freddie Freeman is killing the ball, posting a .442 batting average through 12 games, with four home runs and 10 RBIs. He also has four doubles, and 10 runs scored.
"This is where you can get off to a good start and get off to a good lead," Freeman said of Atlanta's early slate that's chock full of National League East games.
This set won't be easy, however, with the way Phillies second baseman Chase Utley is hitting. He's batting .500 to this point, with 20 hits, nine of which are of the extra base variety. He has three home runs and 10 RBIs in just 40 plate appearances.
"I just see him in really good shape, moving really well on the field defensively and running the bases," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He's staying so active on the bases. Maybe that shows how well he's feeling. That's (knee problems) a non-issue and he's having quality at-bats and seeing the ball well."
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