Where: Turner Field
Pat’s Prediction Record: 27-26
GAME 1
When: 7:35
The Starters: Tommy Hanson vs. Brian Matusz
The Orioles fly into Atlanta for a three game series against the Braves with a five game win streak. The Braves on the other hand, come into this series with a four game losing streak and just got swept by the Yankees. The Orioles have Brian Matusz on the mound in this one. For Matusz it really looked like he made an adjustment after his terrible start against the Rangers and was finally becoming a goo, consistent pitcher. But then in his last start, he got pulled after just two innings surrendering five runs, in a 7-0 lost to the Red Sox last week. With a win tonight, Matusz will have an even record at 6-6, hopefully he will be able to get back on track. As for the Braves starter, they have Tommy Hanson on the hill for game 1. Hanson has been great all year, and has only had two bad starts. In his last two starts he has been fantastic, in which he has given up just 4 earned runs over 15 innings pitched. I think that the Braves will take game 1 of the series behind a strong pitching performance by Hanson, 6-2.
GAME 2
When: 7:15
The Starters: Brandon Beachy vs. Jason Hammel
For the second game of this three game set, the Braves have Brandon Beachy on the mound, who has been spectacular this year. Although his 5-4 record might not show it, his 1.98 ERA does. He has also been consistent this year, and hasn’t had a bad start yet. He has impressed everyone in his second year in the big leagues. As for the Orioles starter, Jason Hammel, he has been great this year too. He is 6-2 with a 3.22 ERA, and hasn’t had a really bad start all year. He has done well against teams from the NL East this year, as the Orioles have won both of the games he has started against NL East teams. I think that the Braves will take game 2 of this series in a pitchers duel, 4-1.
GAME 3
When: 1:35
The Starters: Randall Delgado vs. Wei-Yin Chen
The final game of this three game set, the Braves have Randall Delgado on the mound. Most of you Orioles fans that are reading this have probably never heard of this guy ( I know I haven’t). He is a rookie this year and has had a pretty average year so far. He is 4-6 with a 4.34 ERA, which isn’t bad for a rookie. The Braves have been 5-7 in games that he has started this year. This will be the first time in his career that he has seen this Orioles team. It will also be the first time that Wei-Yin Chen has seen this Braves team. Chen has had a very impressive rookie year, he is 6-2 with a 3.68 ERA. In his last start he had a little trouble giving up 4 earned runs in 6.1 innings pitched but he still earned the win. I think that he will have another good performance in this one and the Orioles will avoid the sweep, winning this one 8-4.