The Braves won the first game of the doubleheader against the Mets behind four solo home runs, defeating the division rivals, 4-2. The second game is scheduled to around 7:40 on Peachtree TV and Fox Sports South.
Mets Lineup:
1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Angel Pagan, CF
3. David Wright, 3B
4. Carlos Beltran, RF
5. Ike Davis, 1B
6. Willie Harris, LF
7. Daniel Murphy, 2B
8. Mike Nickeas, C
9. Mike Pelfrey, SP
Braves Lineup:
1.Martin Prado, LF
2. Nate McLouth, CF
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Eric Hinske, 1B
5. Dan Uggla, 2B
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Alex Gonzalez, SS
8. David Ross, C
9. Jair Jurrjens, SP
Mike Pelfrey (11.2 IP, 10.80 ERA, 6.85 FIP, 6.53 xFIP, 6.94 BB/9, 4.63 K/9, 43.5 GB%, 5.8 SwStr%)
(65.3 FB%, 16.6 SF%, 12.7 SL%, 5.4 CB%; 44.2 Swing%, 85.1 Contact%)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (2010: 116.1 IP, 4.64 ERA, 4.19 FIP, 4.29 xFIP, 3.25 BB/9, 6.65 K/9, 39.9 GB%, 8.9 SwStr%)
(63.9 FB%, 20.2 CH%, 15.9 SL%; 47.8 Swing%, 80.8 Contact%)
Mike Pelfrey hasn't been the pitcher the Mets were hoping we would be early in the season. In need of a frontline starter with the absence of Johan Santana, New York was counting heavily on Pelfrey to lead the staff, but it hasn't happened so far. He has allowed at least four runs in each of his first three starts, totaling 11.2 innings. His most recent was four runs in 5.1 innings against the Rockies. His control has also been off, walking four in two of the three starts.
Jair Jurrjens will receive his first start of the season in the Saturday afternoon game. He suffered a strained oblique during Spring Training and was placed on the disabled list as a precaution. Jurrjens made a rehab start in AAA Gwinnett on Monday, allowing three runs in six innings, including two walks and a homer. He may fight some rust in the early innings, but getting him back on the mound and working six innings is the most important thing.
Opposing Numbers:
Several Braves batters have crushed Mike Pelfrey in the past. Dan Uggla and Martin Prado are both hitting over .400 against him. Chipper Jones is at .385 with three home runs. Nate McLouth is 4-14 and Eric Hinske is 4-11.
Jair Jurrjens has fared well against Mets hitters. David Wright, Angel Pagan, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes are all hitting below .250 against him. Willie Harris is 6-12.
What to Look For:
The career numbers favor the Braves, but as we all know, that only means so much for a single baseball game. If it comes down to benches and bullpens, the Braves have the advantage. Look to see how Jurrjens fares in his first outing of the season.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Mets fans check out Amazin Avenue.