In the first of a two-game series between the Atlanta Braves (44-74) and the Minnesota Twins (47-71) at Turner Field, Joel De La Cruz (0-5, 4.09 ERA) and Ervin Santana (5-9, 3.62 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 16 and will air on FSN and FSSE.
In his last start, De La Cruz pitched 4.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out two and walking two in a 4-3 loss to the Brewers. Freddie Freeman (.287, 66 Rs, 23 HRs, 54 RBIs, 4 SBs) played well again Sunday, going 2 for 3. The Twins were victorious the last time Santana pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.1 innings, giving up two runs and striking out eight in a 6-2 victory over the Rays. Brian Dozier (.266, 70 Rs, 26 HRs, 70 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 4 Sunday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Minnesota is 26-27, while Atlanta is 15-27.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Braves have a 12-37 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 32-18. The Twins have a 34-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 422 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 11th with 542.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.674). Minnesota ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .753.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 34-59. When the Braves allow one or more homers, they have a 19-58 record.
