Matt Wisler (5-11, 4.92 ERA) and Paul Clemens (2-3, 5.06 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (49-83) and the San Diego Padres (55-76) at Turner Field. The Braves won the last game 7-3, and Atlanta leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and can be seen on FSSD and FSSE.
Wisler pitched 8.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out four and walking three in a 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks. Freddie Freeman (.290, 79 Rs, 27 HRs, 65 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one RBI. Clemens went 5.1 innings, surrendering five runs (one unearned) and striking out six in a 6-3 defeat to the Cubs in his last outing. Yangervis Solarte (.270, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 53 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Atlanta is a -136 favorite against San Diego and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Braves have recorded an overall money line of -973 and have shown a weak performance as a favorite this season with a record of 3-11. The Braves have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.7 runs per game. Atlanta’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.9 runs per game, well above its season average of 5.0.
In the other locker room, San Diego is coming in with an overall money line of -170 and a disappointing record of 41-68 as the underdog. The Padres are an excellent base stealing team with 109 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB.
The Braves have a 34-55 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Clemens takes the mound. Wisler (RHP) will be on the hill against the Padres, who have a 39-57 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD, O/U – Over
Notes
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Padres have a 1-12 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 7-58. The Padres have a 12-57 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 92 this season. San Diego ranks 17th with 149 home runs.
Atlanta and San Diego both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Atlanta sits at 11th with 8.39 hits per game and San Diego ranks 15th with 7.97.
Atlanta and San Diego both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Atlanta sits at 29th with an OPS of .685, and San Diego ranks 28th with an OPS of .698.
When the Padres allow at least one home run, they are 27-54, well-matched with the Braves who are 22-64 when allowing at least one homer.
