The Atlanta Braves open a midweek series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on Tuesday, June 30, with first pitch set for 7:15 PM ET. Martín Pérez takes the ball for Atlanta against Cardinals southpaw Matthew Liberatore in what shapes up as a pitching-driven affair between two clubs fighting for positioning as the calendar flips to July. With the second half of the season looming, every game carries real weight — this one included. Catch it on BravesVision or locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Martín Pérez vs. Matthew Liberatore

Pérez gets the nod for Atlanta in what is a significant role for the veteran lefthander. He'll need to work efficiently against a Cardinals lineup that, while not loaded with household names, does enough damage to keep opposing pitchers honest. Pérez has the experience to manage a game like this — controlling the running game, keeping the ball in the yard, and eating innings to protect a bullpen that can't afford to be taxed every night.

On the other side, Matthew Liberatore is a young lefthander who has continued to develop within the Cardinals system. He generates plenty of weak contact when his command is sharp, and he'll look to keep Atlanta's lineup — which is showing some unfamiliar names tonight — off balance with a varied pitch mix. Liberatore isn't a strikeout machine, so the Braves hitters who make consistent contact could create problems for him early if they're patient.

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup

• Drake Baldwin, DH
• Ozzie Albies, 2B
• Matt Olson, 1B
• Michael Harris II, CF
• Mauricio Dubón, LF
• Eli White, RF
• Austin Riley, 3B
• Joey Bart, C
• Jorge Mateo, SS

St. Louis Cardinals Starting Lineup

• JJ Wetherholt, 2B
• Iván Herrera, C
• Jordan Walker, RF
• Nelson Velázquez, DH
• José Fermín, 3B
• Masyn Winn, SS
• Lars Nootbaar, LF
• Blaze Jordan, 1B
• Nathan Church, CF

Keys to Watch for the Braves

Matt Olson and Austin Riley Need to Set the Tone

The middle of this order — Olson at third, Riley at seventh — tells a story worth watching. Riley dropping to seventh in the order is notable. He's a cornerstone of this franchise, and when he's right, he can change a game in a single at-bat. If Riley is locked in tonight against Liberatore, this lineup can do some real damage. Olson hitting third is the anchor, as always — the Braves go as far as he takes them on most nights.

Michael Harris II as the Cleanup Hitter

Harris II batting fourth is a statement of trust from the coaching staff. The center fielder has the ceiling to be one of the most dynamic players in the National League, and slotting him cleanup puts the onus on him to drive in runs. Watch how he handles Liberatore's stuff — if Harris is seeing the ball well, Atlanta's offense could roll early.

Pérez Must Limit the Cardinals' Speed Game

Masyn Winn is one of the faster players in the National League, and with JJ Wetherholt at the top of the order, the Cardinals will look to manufacture runs. Pérez needs to hold runners and work quickly — letting St. Louis run wild on the basepaths is a fast track to a long night at Truist Park.

Prediction

This feels like a low-scoring game decided by three runs or fewer. Pérez has the experience edge over Liberatore, and if the Braves get production from Olson, Harris II, and a resurgent Riley, Atlanta has enough to win this one at home. The Truist Park crowd on a Tuesday night in late June can be electric when the team rewards them early — expect the Braves to do exactly that. Atlanta wins, 4-2.