Sunday, April 14, 2013

Game 12 Preview: Atlanta Braves (10-1) at Washington Nationals (7-4)

First pitch: 1:35 pm ET on FS South

Pitching Probables:
Paul Maholm (ATL) 2-0, 0.00 ERA
Gio Gonzalez (WSH) 1-0, 0.82 ERA

Braves starting lineup:
BJ Upton - CF
Jason Heyward - RF
Justin Upton - LF
Evan Gattis - C
Dan Uggla - 2B
Chris Johnson - 1B
Andrelton Simmons - SS
Ramiro Pena - 3B
Paul Maholm - P

Nationals starting lineup:
Denard Span - CF
Jayson Werth - RF
Bryce Harper - LF
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Adam LaRoche - 1B
Ian Desmond - SS
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Kurt Suzuki - C
Gio Gonzalez - P

Preview:
The red-hot Atlanta Braves are looking for their 3rd consecutive series sweep as they take the field today against the Nationals. Braves are also coming into play trying to extend their win streak to 9 games and win their 7th straight game over the Nationals. They will have a tough task today as Gio Gonzalez takes the mound. In his last start against the White Sox, Gonzalez received a no decision while going 5 innings, giving up 4 hits, 1 run, walked 2 batters, and struck out 7 on 99 pitches. Overall, Gonzalez is 1-0 with an ERA of 0.82 in 2 starts this season.
Arguably, the best Braves starting pitcher to this point is LHP Paul Maholm. In his last start against Marlins, Maholm pitched 7 strong innings while giving up only 1 run, walked 3 batters, and struck out 7. In his 2 starts this season, Maholm has yet to give up a run. He has shown a consistent command of his pitches and has also benefited from adding his slow, looping curveball. If he continues to mix his pitches, the Braves have a strong chance of winning today's game.

Braves-Nats Bullpen Comparisons:
On paper, the Braves and the Nationals looked to have the best bullpens in baseball. Braves have held true to that so far which posts an ERA of 1.44, best in the majors. Led by Craig Kimbrel, who has yet to allow a run this season, is 6-for-6 in save opportunities already this season. In yesterday's game, Eric O'Flaherty and Kimbrel combined to pitch 2 perfect innings to seal the win for Tim Hudson and the Braves. If the Maholm can pitch 6 solid innings to today, the Braves may be heading home with a sweep of the Nats and a 9 game win streak.
Nationals bullpen through 11 games have been as awful as it could be. Their bullpen coughed up a 4-0 lead by allowing the Braves to score all 6 of their runs in innings 7-10 on Friday night. Nats bullpen comes into play today sporting the worst ERA in baseball (6.06). If the Braves bats can remain patient at the plate as they did a great job of yesterday, they can force Gio Gonzalez's pitch count up and get into that vulnerable bullpen.

Evan Gattis Continues Hot Streak:
Rookie catcher Evan Gattis has certainly not played like a rookie in his first 2 weeks as a big leaguer. For the season, he is hitting .333 (10-30) with 4 HR and 8 RBI in 8 games played. He impressed more in yesterday's game when he turned on a high, 96 mph Stephen Strasburg fastball and crushed it into the Braves bullpen giving the Braves the early lead. His homer proved to be the difference-maker in the game. With Gattis streaking, a question that seems to be popping up is what happens with Gattis when Brian McCann returns to the team. This is a good problem to have if you are Fredi Gonzalez.

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