The Braves will try to right the ship following a 4-2 loss in the series opener. They play the Dodgers at 10:10 on SportSouth.
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, LF
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Dan Uggla, 2B
6. Freddie Freeman, 1B
7. Alex Gonzalez, SS
8. Nate McLouth, CF
9. Brandon Beachy, SP
Dodgers Lineup:
1. Jamey Carroll, SS
2. Casey Blake, 3B
3. Andre Ethier, RF
4. Matt Kemp, CF
5. Juan Uribe, 2B
6. James Loney, 1B
7. Jerry Sands, LF
8. A.J. Ellis, C
9. Hiroki Kuroda, SP
Brandon Beachy (17.1 IP, 5.19 ERA, 4.74 FIP, 3.96 xFIP, 3.63 BB/9, 8.83 K/9, 31.3 GB%, 11 SwStr%)
(63.3 FB%, 15.5 SL%, 11.4 CB%, 9.8 CH%; 47.3 Swing%, 75.6 Contact%)
vs.
Hiroki Kuroda (20.2 IP, 3.48 ERA, 4.23 FIP, 3.63 xFIP, 0.87 BB/9, 5.23 K/9, 45.6 GB%, 10.2 SwStr%)
(59.7 FB%, 20.9 SL%, 12.2 SF%, 7.2 CB%; 51.5 Swing%, 79.4 Contact%)
Brandon Beachy's last start against the Marlins marked two straight outings of at least four runs allowed, giving up five runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings. His strikeouts returned as he punched out eight, but he also walked four, which is rare for Beachy. Also rare for Beachy is three home runs allowed in 17.1 innings. He is hitting his bumps as a rookie.
After two good starts to begin his season, Hiroki Kuroda allowed six runs in five innings against the Cardinals last time out. He has walked just two in 20.2 innings this season while maintaining a solid swinging strike and contact rate. Kuroda is establishing his curveball more this year while throwing far fewer sliders, and although the trade-off hasn't been huge, he is remaining consistent.
Opposing Numbers:
Dan Uggla has the most experience against Kuroda with 15 plate appearances, going 4-14 with a double. Brian McCann and Jason Heyward are both hitless over a combined 15 plate appearances, while Nate McLouth has one hit. Chipper Jones is 2-6 and Martin Prado is 1-5.
The Dodgers have never faced Beachy.
What to Look For:
The Braves need Beachy back on track to get the team back on track following two straight losses. Atlanta doesn't have much success against Kuroda in the past, so Beachy will likely be working with little help.