Jhoulys Chacin (0-0, 2.38 ERA) and Steven Matz (1-1, 7.27 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (4-12) and the New York Mets (8-7) at Turner Field. The Mets won the last game 6-3, and New York leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 23 and can be seen on WPIX and FSSO.
Chacin pitched 5.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs and striking out six in a 6-5 win over the Marlins. Adonis Garcia (.309, 6 Rs, 1 HR, 6 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 5 with one run and one RBI. Matz went 7.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 6-0 win over the Indians in his last outing. Yoenis Cespedes (.288, 11 Rs, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds for Atlanta and New York are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Atlanta has a record of 4-5 SU. The Braves have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Atlanta’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
The Mets are 3-6 against teams in their division. Offensively, the Mets have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. New York is excellent at making contact with just 9.6 strikeouts per game, ranking third in the NL. The Mets allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Mets have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM
Notes
Atlanta has won 43% (3-4) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, New York has won 60% (3-2) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mets are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Braves have a 2-3 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 2-3. The Mets have a 5-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 57 this season. New York ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 63.
Ranking 17th, New York is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 48 this season. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 57.
The Braves are 0-2 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Mets are 5-3 when they hit at least one homer.
