July 5 - Two outstanding starting pitchers will face off when the visiting Philadelphia Phillies begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Friday night in a battle between the top two teams in the National League East.
Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (9-4, 3.43 ERA) will oppose Atlanta left-hander Max Fried (7-3, 2.91) in the opening game. Both have credentials that put them in consideration to be named to the NL All-Star team.
Atlanta lost 4-2 to the visiting San Francisco Giants in the decisive game of a three-game set Thursday, the Braves' fifth defeat in eight contests.