Braves Manager Brian Snitker Takes Shot At Phillies’ ‘So-Called Hostile Environment’

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The Philadelphia Phillies will host their first playoff game in over a decade on Friday afternoon when they welcome the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves to Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies stole Game 1 of the National League Division Series against their NL East rivals. But the Braves responded with a huge win against Philly ace Zack Wheeler in Game 2. That sends the five-game series back to Philadelphia, where the Phillies will have a chance to close it out.

One of the big storylines is just how raucous the often-craven Philadelphia fans will be. Especially against the hated Atlanta Braves. But Atlanta manager Brian Snitker doesn’t appear to be worried. In fact, he offered up a shot at the Philadelphia environment in a recent interview.

Atlanta Braves Manager Downplays ‘So-Called Hostile’ Phillies Environment

Snitker’s club has played in a number of tough environments in recent years. But Philadelphia is largely considered one of the toughest. The veteran manager doesn’t sound overly concerned about how his team will handle it.

“These guys are used to it. It’s going to be I guess the so-called hostile environment, obviously. But they’re used to, the last two nights, the last — this whole year has been nuts here. It’s been like playoff baseball pretty much the entire year here.

And I don’t think it’s anything that they haven’t been exposed to and probably they’ll feed off it like they feed off our fans here in Atlanta.”

Apparently, no one has ever told Snitker about bulletin board material. Phillies fans have seen the comment and already taking them to heart.

Braves’ rookie ace Spencer Strider returns from injury to start Game 3. Strider has an 11-5 record with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts this season. He’ll square off with Phillies’ ace Aaron Nola in what most expect to be a low-scoring pitcher’s duel.