Aaaaaaannnnd, we're back. Sorry for the past week everybody, I've been home and haven't been posting as much. But here's the Game 1 preview, Game 2 will be later and I don't know how much I'll be posting for the nightcap because I have a night class. I know, it's a 4:30 (tentative) start for Game 2.
Author's Note: I actually have night class Monday through Thursdays, so while I might create the game threads and keep tabs on the game, I might not do a whole lot of posting.
PREVIEW (GAME 1)
The Braves and Pirates finish up a four-game set in Pittsburgh with a doubleheader to make up for Sunday's rainout. The Pirates took the first two games of the series, including a Freddy Sanchez wallk-off single on Friday, as the Braves offense continues to sputter on the road. The Braves send Jair Jurrjens to the mound while the Pirates counter with Zach Duke. Weather could also be a factor in today's game as rain is again in the forecast.
PROBABLE PITCHERS
Jair Jurrjens - ATL - 4-2, 2.84 ERA, 14 BB, 36 K
Zach Duke - PIT - 1-2, 4.60 ERA, 13 BB, 13 K
Jurrjens has been able to hold the injured Braves' rotation together along with Tim Hudson and a host of call-ups and spot starts. Jurrjens won his previous start against Pittsburgh, a 10-2 win in Atlanta, by going 5.1 innings and only giving up 2 earned runs.
Duke has pitched well this season and his stat line is a little misleading. Duke has several quality starts that resulted in no-decisions. He also recorded his first win in his last start, giving up 3 earned runs in 7.1 innings against San Francisco.
INJURY/ROSTER REPORT
The Pirates have two players on the DL, SS Jack Wilson (calf) and OF Chris Duffy (shoulder).
The Braves aren't as healthy this early into the season. The Braves added C Brayan Pena (back) and P Buddy Carlyle (head/neck) to the DL in the past few days. IF Omar Infante was activated from the DL and P Chuck James was recalled from AAA Richmond to take the roster spots. Jo-Jo Reyes left his start with a blister and could possible miss his next start.
NL EAST UPDATE
Division leading Florida heads to Cincinnati to take on the struggling Reds while the Nationals and Mets meet in New York. Philadelphia has on off day and Atlanta will stay in Pennsylvania to play the Phillies starting Tuesday.
Post your thoughts, observations, play-by-play and whatever. I'll be on the GameCenter blog again and posting my biased, angry stuff on the game thread.
It's good to be back. LET'S GO BRAVES!!!
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