Following two solid wins that included a poor outing by Tim Lincecum, the Braves are on the verge of a series sweep against the defending world champions. But the Giants are sending another tough pitcher to the hill to salvage a win.
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, LF
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Dan Uggla, 2B
5. Freddie Freeman, 1B
6. David Ross, C
7. Nate McLouth, CF
8. Brandon Hicks, SS
9. Brandon Beachy, SP
Giants Lineup:
1. Aaron Rowand, CF
2. Freddy Sanchez, 2B
3. Aubrey Huff, 1B
4. Buster Posey, C
5. Pablo Sandoval, 3B
6. Pat Burrell, LF
7. Cody Ross, RF
8. Miguel Tejada, SS
9. Jonathan Sanchez, SP
Brandon Beachy (23.1 IP, 3.86 ERA, 3.91 FIP, 3.59 xFIP, 3.47 BB/9, 9.26 K/9, 34.4 GB%, 10.4 SwStr%)
(65.7 FB%, 15.7 SL%, 9.5 CB%, 9.2 CH%; 45.6 Swing%, 76.1 Contact%)
vs.
Jonathan Sanchez (23 IP, 3.13 ERA, 2.58 FIP, 3.33 xFIP, 4.3 BB/9, 10.96 K/9, 38.3 GB%, 13.1 SwStr%)
(60.9 FB%, 19.9 CH%, 19.2 SL%; 45.1 Swing%, 70.5 Contact%)
Beachy had a much better outing last time out, pitching six shutout innings on two hits against the Dodgers, walking two and striking out seven. It was a return to the Beachy we know, which is great command and high strikeout totals. Once his walk rate begins to fall, he will become much more consistent, and judging by his minor league numbers, it will happen.
Sanchez has been solid through four starts, allowing no more than four runs or three earned runs in any start. His 28 strikeouts in 23 innings is the best rate of his career to this point, and while walks have always been the main issue with Sanchez, they have remained somewhat in check so far. Sanchez allowed three runs on just two hits in 6.1 innings against the Rockies last time out, walking four and striking out four.
Opposing Numbers:
A few Braves have put together some hits against Sanchez. Martin Prado is 3-8 with three walks. David Ross is 2-9 with a home run. Nate McLouth is 3-7 with a home run. Dan Uggla 1-5, while Chipper Jones is 2-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Jason Heyward is 0-5 with four strikeouts.
The Giants have never seen Beachy.
What to Look For:
The Braves are going for their first sweep of the Giants in San Francisco since 1998. To do so, they will need to string some hits together against Sanchez, who tends to lose his control and consistency at times. Working walks should be key.