The Braves and Angels face off in the rubber game of the three-game series beginning at 3:35 on Fox Sports South.
Braves Lineup:
1. Nate McLouth, CF
2. Martin Prado, LF
3. Brian McCann, DH
4. Eric Hinske, LF
5. Dan Uggla, 2B
6. Freddie Freeman, 1B
7. Joe Mather, RF
8. Alex Gonzalez, SS
9. David Ross, C
Angels Lineup:
1. Maicer Izturis, 2B
2. Erick Aybar, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, DH
4. Torii Hunter, RF
5. Alberto Callaspo, 3B
6. Mark Trumbo, 1B
7. Alexi Amarista, LF
8. Jeff Mathis, C
9. Peter Bourjos, CF
Derek Lowe (57.2 IP, 3.43 ERA, 3.19 FIP, 2.92 xFIP, 2.65 BB/9, 7.96 K/9, 56 GB%, 9.3 SwStr%)
(47.4 FB%, 27.7 SL%, 15.4 CH%, 9.5 CT%; 39.9 Swing%, 76.4 Contact%)
vs.
Tyler Chatwood (44 IP, 4.50 ERA, 5.49 FIP, 5.28 xFIP, 5.52 BB/9, 3.89 K/9, 46.5 GB%, 4.3 SwStr%)
(73.1 FB%, 18.7 CB%, 8.2 CH%; 41.6 Swing%, 89 Contact%)
Lowe rebounded from a five-run outing against the Nationals by allowing just one run on five hits in seven innings against the Astros, not walking any and striking out four. He had 10 fly balls, but he also had 12 ground balls while not walking any for the second time this season. Lowe's K/9 is steadily decreasing back to the norm, but if he can maintain his solid walk rate, which is at its best since joining the Braves, he will be fine.
Chatwood is going through the rookie struggles, recording a very high walk rate and very low strikeout rate with a respectable ground ball rate. He has the same number of, or more walks than strikeouts in six of eight starts, and his fWAR sits at -0.2. His last start was his worse, allowing seven runs in 2.1 innings against the Athletics in a 14-0 loss.
Opposing Numbers:
Torii Hunter is 6-22 with two homers against Lowe. Bobby Abreu is 5-14 with a homer. Maicer Izturis has hit Lowe hard to the tune of 6-13 with two doubles. Erick Aybar is 2-9.
What to Look For:
Chatwood is struggling for the Angels, and with the late comeback on Saturday, it may be what the Braves need to get the offense going.