Following a rough 13-inning loss to the Padres in the series opener on Monday, the Braves are looking to bounce back with a win to even the series Tuesday. Game time is 10:05 on SportSouth.
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, LF
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Dan Uggla, 2B
5. Freddie Freeman, 1B
6. Alex Gonzalez, SS
7. Nate McLouth, CF
8. David Ross, C
9. Jair Jurrjens, SP
Padres Lineup:
1. Cameron Maybin, CF
2. Will Venable, RF
3. Ryan Ludwick, LF
4. Nick Hundley, C
5. Jorge Cantu, 3B
6. Orlando Hudson, 2B
7. Brad Hawpe, 1B
8. Alberto Gonzalez, SS
9. Aaron Harang, SP
Jair Jurrjens (13 IP, 0.69 ERA, 3.20 FIP, 3.55 xFIP, 2.08 BB/9, 6.92 K/9, 44.1 GB%, 6.2 SwStr%)
(65.5 FB%, 21.8 CH%, 12.6 SL%; 45.6 Swing%, 86.2 Contact%)
vs.
Aaron Harang (24 IP, 1.88 ERA, 1.92 FIP, 3.38 xFIP, 1.88 BB/9, 7.88 K/9, 33.3 GB%, 8.2 SwStr%)
(65.4 FB%, 23.2 SL%, 9.5 CH%, 1.9 CB%; 44.1 Swing%, 80.8 Contact%)
Jurrjens has posted two solid starts since his return from the disabled list. His most recent was one run allowed on seven hits over six innings against the Dodgers, walking two and striking out six. Three walks to 10 strikeouts is good to see for Jurrjens so far, and hopefully the walk rate remains solid throughout the year. He has shown great command on all of his pitches, but especially the fastball/changeup combination. He has allowed a pretty high contact number, however, and the changeup hasn't led to many swings and misses.
Harang was widely considered to be a great pickup for the Padres this offseason due to price and the fact that he can allow all the fly balls he wants at Petco Park. The signing has lived up to the billing so far, as Harang has allowed no more than two runs while going six innings in each of his first four starts. He has been a model of consistency, and his control has been great, walking just one over his last 12 innings. His most recent start was two runs on nine hits in six innings against the Cubs, not walking any and striking out five. Yes, the fly ball rate is extremely high, but Harang has yet to allow a home run, and that includes two starts on the road.
Opposing Numbers:
Nate McLouth is 3-24 against Harang, but Dan Uggla, Alex Gonzalez and Chipper Jones all have great numbers against him. Gonzalez is 4-6 with a double, triple and four RBIs. Uggla has two home runs. Jason Heyward is 2-3 with a double and triple.
Jorge Cantu is 2-17 and Brad Hawpe is 3-15 against Jurrjens, but other Padres have had success. Ludwick is 4-11, Hudson is 3-8 with a homer and three RBIs, and Will Venable is 2-5 with a triple. Cameron Maybin has two hits and Nick Hundley has one.
What to Look For:
The Braves may have their hands full with Harang. He has become a very solid and consistent pitcher for the Padres so far, and he doesn't issue walks.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Padres fans check out Gaslamp Ball.