Tommy Hanson has a tough act to follow on Saturday, as the Atlanta Braves continue a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies to close out to the first half of play this weekend.
Tim Hudson dominated the Phillies on Friday, needing just 79 pitches to get through seven innings of work. Hudson allowed just four hits and a walk, helping to spoil Ryan Howard's return to the lineup, as the Braves downed the Phillies, 5-0.
On Saturday, Hanson will look for similar results, as he looks for his 10th win of the year. Hanson brings a 9-5 record into the contest, along with a 3.70 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Hanson has struck out 87 in 99 and 2/3 innings, and has walked 37.
Hanson's counterpart will be Joe Blanton, who brings a 7-7 record into the game. Blanton's secondary numbers are solid, as well, as he's the owner of a 1.25 WHIP and has walked just 15 in 104 innings. Blanton's ERA sits at 4.85, however, as he's prone to the long ball, having given up 19 already this year.
We'll see if Atlanta's bats can continue the longball assault on Blanton.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.
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