Williams Perez (1-0, 2.66 ERA) and Charlie Morton (2-0, 1.93 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (26-27) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (29-24) at Turner Field. Action begins at 7:35 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 5 and can be seen on ROOT-PIT and FSN-S.
Perez pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking four in an 8-0 win over the Giants. Freddie Freeman (.299, 35 Rs, 10 HRs, 33 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong play Wednesday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, two home runs, and four RBIs. When pitching against the Braves, Morton is 0-2 with a 2.57 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and seven strikeouts. Andrew McCutchen (.293, 31 Rs, 7 HRs, 34 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 Wednesday with one run.
The odds for Atlanta and Pittsburgh are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now.
The Braves have a 23-23 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Morton takes the mound. Perez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Pirates, who have a 26-20 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
Atlanta has won 33% (10-20) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 43% (9-12) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Pirates who are coming in with an 8-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Pirates have a slight leg up on the Braves, as the Pirates have won their last three games while the Braves have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 20-8. The Pirates have a 21-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Both Atlanta and Pittsburgh are tied at 14th in runs, each scoring 224 this season.
Ranking 22nd, Pittsburgh is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 130 this season. Atlanta ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 156.
When the Braves hit at least one home run, they are 16-9, well-matched with the Pirates who are 19-12 when hitting one or more homers.
