A two-game winning streak again! After beating the Brewers 6-2 in the series opener Monday, the Braves are back in action with another 7:10 start on Peachtree TV and Fox Sports South.
Brewers Lineup:
1. Rickie Weeks, 2B
2. Nyjer Morgan, CF
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Prince Fielder, 1B
5. Casey McGehee, 3B
6. Corey Hart, RF
7. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
8. Jonathan Lucroy, C
9. Marco Estrada, SP
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. Tommy Hanson, SP
Marco Estrada (21 IP, 3.00 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 3.47 xFIP, 2.57 BB/9, 7.71 K/9, 43.1 GB%, 9.9 SwStr%)
(56.3 FB%, 21.7 CH%, 18.8 CB%, 3.2 CT%; 41.7 Swing%, 75.8 Contact%)
vs.
Tommy Hanson (35 IP, 2.57 ERA, 2.72 FIP, 3.02 xFIP, 2.31 BB/9, 8.74 K/9, 48.4 GB%, 9 SwStr%)
(55.4 FB%, 23 SL%, 14.4 CB%, 7.1 CH%; 43.6 Swing%, 78.5 Contact%)
Estrada won his only game so far this season against the Braves, which was his season debut. He allowed two runs on two hits over seven innings against a good Reds offense last time out, inducing 10 ground balls. Estrada is a fly ball pitcher who relies on control, but he doesn't record a ton of strikeouts. He throws an equal mix of curves and changeups, but the curve and fastball have been his best pitches so far. Even more than Jurrjens, Estrada is relying on a very low BABIP of .235 for much of his success. His FIP is a good indication of where he should end the season.
Hanson allowed three runs in 5.1 innings against the Brewers earlier this season. He pitched seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts against the Padres last time out, and combining his last two outings, he has allowed one run on seven hits in 14 innings, walking two and striking out 17. Hanson's numbers are solid across the board, recording a better strikeout rate and ground ball rate with fewer walks. He has shown better command of the fastball his last outings, which has been a big reason for his success.
Opposing Numbers:
The only experience the Braves have against Estrada came in their last matchup. Chipper Jones went 2-5 with a double and RBI. Brian McCann went 3-4. Martin Prado had a double in four trips. Jason Heyward had a homer and three RBIs.
Hanson has a history with Ryan Braun, and it's not pretty. Braun is 6-15 with a double, four homers and eight RBIs. Prince Fielder is 4-13 with a double. Rickie Weeks is 0-10. Casey McGehee is 3-9 with a double.
What to Look For:
Hanson needs to limit the damage done by the middle of the Milwaukee lineup, especially Braun, who has destroyed him in his short career. But Hanson has shown excellent command lately and there's no reason to believe it won't continue here.