After two straight losses, the Braves are seeking a series split in the fourth and final game against the Brewers. Thursday's game starts at 1:10 on SportSouth.
Braves Lineup:
1. Martin Prado, 3B
2. Nate McLouth, CF
3. Brian McCann, C
4. Dan Uggla, 2B
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. Alex Gonzalez, SS
7. Freddie Freeman, 1B
8. Matt Young, LF
9. Tommy Hanson, SP
Brewers Lineup:
1. Rickie Weeks, 2B
2. Carlos Gomez, CF
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Prince Fielder, 1B
5. Casey McGehee, 3B
6. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
7. Nyjer Morgan, CF
8. George Kottaras, C
9. Shaun Marcum, SP
Tommy Hanson (2010: 202.2 IP, 3.33 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 3.87 xFIP, 2.49 BB/9, 7.68 K/9, 41.8 GB%, 8.4 SwStr%)
(57 FB%, 28 SL%, 12.3 CB%, 2.7 CH%; 45.4 Swing%, 80.9 Contact%)
vs.
Shaun Marcum (2010: 195.1 IP, 3.64 ERA, 3.74 FIP, 3.71 xFIP, 1.98 BB/9, 7.6 K/9, 38.4 GB%, 10.9 SwStr%)
(45.1 FB%, 25.8 CH%, 14.7 CT%, 9.3 CB%, 5.1 SL%; 46.7 Swing%, 76.3 Contact%)
Hanson came out flat in his 2011 debut, allowing four runs on five hits in 3.2 innings, walking two and striking out one. His fastball had little life and he couldn't spot it well, resulting in several hard hit balls. His breaking stuff wasn't much better, but the fastball seemed to be the main concern following his bad outing. Watch for Hanson's fastball command and velocity as he tries to rebound.
Marcum was the first piece added to Milwaukee's rotation this winter. He debuted with four runs on four hits in 4.2 innings against the Reds, including five walks and seven strikeouts. The walks are very uncharacteristic of Marcum, who has averaged a 2.85 career BB/9, including a mark below two last season. Marcum relies heavily on a changeup that he throws well, posting a mark of 26 runs above average for the pitch last season. He throws a wide assortment of pitches, but the fastball/changeup combination is the main weapon. Look for better control from him in his second start.
Opposing Numbers:
Only Eric Hinske has considerable experience against Marcum due to his days in the AL East. The Braves are seeing a new pitcher for the second night in a row.
Hanson is facing the team he made his major league debut against. Braun has always had his number since that day, hitting three homers and recording six RBI. Morgan is 6-13 with two doubles and one RBI. Fielder is 3-11. The one bright spot is Weeks, who is 0-7.
What to Look For:
Hanson needs to rebound and post a solid start in this game to keep the offense in it. The Braves are seeing Marcum for the first time, and his stuff is much better than a Marco Estrada. A big part of a win today is Hanson's ability to limit the Brewers offense.