SB Nation Atlanta - Astros Vs. Braves, Game 2: Brian McCann Carries Atlanta To 3-1 Victory With Tying, Winning Homershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2011-05-18T07:00:47-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19374782011-05-18T07:00:47-04:002011-05-18T07:00:47-04:00Astros Vs. Braves: Brian McCann Ends Homestand In Thrilling Fashion With Tying, Winning Homers For 3-1 Atlanta Win
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<p>Tuesday, May 17<br>(15-27) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> - 1<br>(25-19) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> - 3</p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_05_17_houmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=wrap">MLB.com Box Score</a> <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/liveboxscore.aspx?date=2011-05-17&team=Braves&dh=0&season=2011"><br>FanGraphs Box Score</a></p>
<p><span>Brian McCann</span> had a decent game considering it was an off day for him. He entered the ninth inning and tied the game on a home run, then followed that with a walk-off home run in the 11th for a 3-1 Braves win.</p>
<p><b>Game Log</b>:<br>Both teams scattered hits through the first six innings with no significant at-bats. <span>Clint Barmes</span> doubled with two outs in the second and was stranded. Both teams traded double plays in the fourth. The Braves had two on with two outs in the sixth but both were stranded.</p>
<p><span>Brett Wallace</span> changed things in the seventh with a solo homer off <span>Derek Lowe</span> for a 1-0 Houston lead, worth .216 WPA.</p>
<p>Nothing changed through 8.2 innings, as the Astros led 1-0. However, McCann entered as a pinch hitter for <span>David Ross</span> with two outs in the ninth and hit a solo home run off <span>Mark Melancon</span> to tie the game at one, worth .489 WPA, the biggest swing in the game.</p>
<p>A leadoff walk by <span>Nate McLouth</span> in the 10th seemed to get things going for the Braves, and he was moved to second on a bunt by <span>Brooks Conrad</span>. But <span>Martin Prado</span> flew out, worth -.089 WPA, and after <span>Jason Heyward</span> walked, <span>Chipper Jones</span> struck out, worth -.109 WPA.</p>
<p>The Astros did worse in the 11th off <span>Cory Gearrin</span>. A single, stolen base and walk put two on with no outs. <span>Matt Downs</span> struck out for the first out, worth -.117 WPA. Barmes walked to load the bases with one out, worth .136 WPA, but <span>J.R. Towles</span> grounded into an inning-ending double play, worth -.350 WPA.</p>
<p>In the bottom of the 11th against <span>Jeff Fulchino</span>, the Braves put a runner on via a walk, and McCann hit a liner that wrapped around the foul pole for a walk-off, two-run homer, worth .369 WPA.</p>
<p><b>The Focus</b>:<br>Lost in the McCann home run show was an excellent pitcher's duel between Lowe and <span>Wandy Rodriguez</span>. Lowe allowed one run on five hits in seven innings, not walking any and striking out four. His lone mistake was the home run to Wallace in his final inning, and the only other hard hit ball was the double by Barmes. Lowe induced 12 ground balls to five fly balls, making it a double digit ground ball total for the third time in his last four starts after going three straight outings without reaching the double digit mark.</p>
<p><b>Stat of the Day</b>:<br>The Astros have blown 11 saves this season.</p>
<p><b>The Game Changer</b>:<br>McCann's home run with two outs in the ninth tied the game at one, worth .489 WPA.</p>
<p><b>WPA Winners</b>:<br>(ATL) Brian McCann: .858<br>(HOU) Wandy Rodriguez: .592<br>(ATL) Derek Lowe: .201</p>
<p><b>WPA Losers</b>:<br>(HOU) J.R. Towles: -.428<br>(HOU) Mark Melancon: -.307<br>(HOU) Jeff Fulchino: -.234</p>
<p><b>Key Lines</b>:<br>(ATL) Brian McCann: 2-2, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .858 WPA<br>(ATL) Derek Lowe: 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 0 BB, 4 K, .201 WPA (12 GB, 5 FB)<br>(ATL) Jason Heyward: 1-3, 2 BB, .013 WPA</p>
<p>(HOU) Wandy Rodriguez: 8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K, .592 WPA (11 GB, 7 FB)<br>(HOU) Brett Wallace: 1-4, HR, RBI, BB, .090 WPA<br>(HOU) Mark Melancon/Jeff Fulchino: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, -.541 WPA, BS, L</p>
<p><b>Looking Ahead</b>:<br>The Braves hit the road for two games against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>, beginning with a 9:40 start on Wednesday. <span>Julio Teheran</span> makes his second career start against the winless <span>Joe Saunders</span>.</p>
<p><i>For more on the series, Braves fans check out <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a> and Astros fans check out <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Crawfish Boxes</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2011/5/18/2176661/astros-vs-braves-brian-mccann-ends-homestand-in-thrilling-fashionDavid Lee2011-05-17T16:37:43-04:002011-05-17T16:37:43-04:00Astros Vs. Braves Final Score: Brian McCann Hits Tying, Winning Homers As Atlanta Wins 3-1
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<p><span>Brian McCann</span> may not have started the game, but he certainly ended it.</p>
<p>McCann hit the tying home run in the ninth and walk-off home run in the 11th as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> won the game, 3-1, and the series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>.</p>
<p>The Astros went up 1-0 in the seventh when <span>Brett Wallace</span> hit a solo homer off <span>Derek Lowe</span>. They remained on top by the same score until two outs in the ninth when Brian McCann hit a pinch-hit home run off <span>Mark Melancon</span> to tie the game at one. McCann struck again in the 11th with the walk-off home run off <span>Jeff Fulchino</span>.</p>
<p><span>Wandy Rodriguez</span> pitched eight shutout innings on five hits for Houston, walking two and striking out six. He induced 10 groundouts to six flyouts while throwing 68 strikes over 113 pitches.</p>
<p>The Braves scattered singles in various innings but couldn't string anything together. They reached second base in the first inning when <span>Jason Heyward</span> singled and stole second, but he was stranded. Singles by <span>Martin Prado</span> and <span>Chipper Jones</span> put a runner on second in the sixth, but both were stranded.</p>
<p>Chipper went 1-5 with three strikeouts in his return to the lineup. Heyward went 1-3 with two walks.</p>
<p>Lowe allowed one run on five hits in seven innings, not walking any and striking out four. He threw a ton of strikes and induced 12 groundouts to two flyouts, one of his best outings this season. The lone mistake was a 3-1 sinker left over the plate to Wallace. He also gave up a double to <span>Clint Barmes</span> in the second but that was it.</p>
<p><span>George Sherrill</span> gave up two hits without recording an out in the eighth. <span>Scott Proctor</span> came on in relief, receiving the first out on a sac bunt. After walking <span>Hunter Pence</span> intentionally to load the bases with one out, Carlos Lee popped out and Wallace struck out to end the threat.</p>
<p><span>Jonny Venters</span> and Eric O'Flaherty each pitched a scoreless inning. <span>Cory Gearrin</span> loaded the bases in the 11th, but he induced a double play to get out of it and preserve the tie, earning his first career win.</p>
<p><span>David Ross</span> started behind the plate for the Braves and went 0-2 with a walk. McCann replaced him as a pinch hitter in the ninth, going 2-2 with two home runs and three RBIs, finishing with a .858 WPA. <span>Eric Hinske</span> went 1-4 with a walk and almost tied the game as the hitter before McCann in the ninth, hitting a fly ball to the wall that Pence caught. Prado went 2-5 with two singles.</p>
<p>Pence and Barmes each had two hits. Wallace had the lone RBI on the home run and added a walk.</p>
<p><i>For more on the series, Braves fans check out <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a> and Astros fans check out <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Crawfish Boxes</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2011/5/17/2175984/astros-vs-braves-final-score-brian-mccann-hits-tying-winning-homersDavid Lee2011-05-17T12:31:34-04:002011-05-17T12:31:34-04:00Astros Vs. Braves: Atlanta Gets Two Sluggers Back In Lineup For Series Finale
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> wrap up the two-game set with a day game to get both teams on the road. Game time is 1:05 on SportSouth.</p>
<p>Astros Lineup:<br>1. <span>Michael Bourn</span>, CF<br>2. <span>Angel Sanchez</span>, 2B<br>3. <span>Hunter Pence</span>, RF<br>4. Carlos Lee, LF<br>5. <span>Brett Wallace</span>, 1B<br>6. <span>Matt Downs</span>, 3B<br>7. <span>Clint Barmes</span>, SS<br>8. <span>J.R. Towles</span>, C<br>9. <span>Wandy Rodriguez</span>, SP</p>
<p>Braves Lineup:<br>1. <span>Martin Prado</span>, LF<br>2. <span>Jason Heyward</span>, RF<br>3. <span>Chipper Jones</span>, 3B<br>4. <span>Dan Uggla</span>, 2B<br>5. <span>Eric Hinske</span>, 1B<br>6. <span>David Ross</span>, C<br>7. Alex Gonzalez, SS<br>8. <span>Nate McLouth</span>, CF<br>9. <span>Derek Lowe</span>, SP</p>
<p>Wandy Rodriguez (52 IP, 3.98 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 3.51 xFIP, 1.9 BB/9, 7.1 K/9, 42.5 GB%, 7.8 SwStr%)<br>(53.8 FB%, 33.6 CB%, 12.6 CH%; 45.1 Swing%, 82.5 Contact%)<br>vs.<br>Derek Lowe (50.2 IP, 3.73 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 3.07 xFIP, 3.02 BB/9, 8.35 K/9, 56.9 GB%, 9.9 SwStr%)<br>(46.7 FB%, 27.1 SL%, 16.2 CH%, 10 CT%; 39.7 Swing%, 74.6 Contact%)</p>
<p>Rodriguez is having a good season so far, though it's just slightly off from his usual numbers. He has posted a walk per nine much lower than his career average of 3.16, but that has also come with a big drop in strikeouts. His home runs are up and ground balls are down. Rodriguez always lives with a line drive rate over 20%, which is surprising considering the solid numbers he always posts. Perhaps concerning to the Astros is an outside contact rate that is increasing over the past four years, currently sitting at 71.7%. As a result, his K/9 has steadily dropped the last four years. He may be fine now, but it's a trend that could signal a steep drop off within a few years as he reaches the mid-30s.</p>
<p>At first glance, Lowe's last outing against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> seems ugly due to five runs allowed and two home runs, but he gave up just five hits and struck out six over six innings while inducing 13 ground balls and just four fly balls. It's the most strikeouts for Lowe in his last three starts, and he returned to double digit ground ball numbers for just the second time in six starts.</p>
<p>Opposing Numbers:<br>Alex Gonzalez is 2-20 against Rodriguez, so it appears his struggles may continue. Nate McLouth is 6-20. Chipper Jones is 4-15 with two homers. Dan Uggla is 3-15 with two doubles. Martin Prado is 4-14 with a double. <span>Brian McCann</span> is 1-9 with a homer.</p>
<p>Carlos Lee and Michael Bourn have had Lowe's number; Lee is 16-38 with two homers, and Bourn is 6-13 with a double and triple. Clint Barmes is 4-18, Hunter Pence is 3-9 and <span>Bill Hall</span> is 0-9.</p>
<p>What to Look For:<br>Rodriguez is a tougher pitcher than people realize, and he's often underrated due to the team he plays for. The Braves could have their hands full with him.</p>
<p>Notes:<br>Chipper Jones was a game-time decision based on how his knee felt after batting practice. Things went well and he is back in the lineup.</p>
<p>Jason Heyward also returns to the lineup after missing several days with a sore shoulder.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2011/5/17/2175329/astros-vs-braves-atlanta-gets-two-sluggers-back-in-lineup-for-seriesDavid Lee2011-05-17T07:00:38-04:002011-05-17T07:00:38-04:00Astros Vs. Braves: Tommy Hanson Fans 10 In 3-2 Atlanta Win
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<p>Monday, May 16<br>(15-26) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> - 2<br>(24-19) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> - 3</p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_05_16_houmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=wrap">MLB.com Box Score</a> <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/liveboxscore.aspx?date=2011-05-16&team=Braves&dh=0&season=2011"><br>FanGraphs Box Score</a></p>
<p><span>Eric Hinske</span> backed a strong effort by <span>Tommy Hanson</span> with a late RBI single to put the Braves past the Astros in the series opener, 3-2.</p>
<p><b>Game Log</b>:<br>This game was back and forth, but not with much firepower. After the Astros left a runner on third in the first inning, the Braves loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half. However, Hinske and Alex Gonzalez both struck out to leave all three stranded, worth -.073 and -.071 WPA.</p>
<p>The Braves apparently didn't learn anything from the first because they did the same thing in the second. With two on and no outs, Hanson struck out on a bunt attempt for the first out. <span>Martin Prado</span> followed with a fielder's choice that put runners on the corners, and <span>Nate McLouth</span> walked to load the bases with two outs. However, <span>Brian McCann</span> grounded out to end the inning, worth -.075 WPA.</p>
<p>The Astros scored the first run in the fifth when Matt Downs hit a solo homer off Hanson for a 1-0 lead, worth .152 WPA. But the Braves finally broke their scorelessness (?) with two runs in the sixth when Hinske and Gonzalez singled to lead off the inning, and <span>Joe Mather</span> plated both with a single, worth .204 WPA. Atlanta had a chance for more in the inning, but Prado grounded into a double play to end it.</p>
<p>That proved to be big when the Astros tied the game at two in the seventh. Carlos Lee reached on an error by Prado and eventually scored on a double by Downs, worth .207 WPA.</p>
<p>But the Braves came right back in the bottom of the seventh with <span>Fernando Abad</span> on the mound for Houston. After walking McLouth and <span>Dan Uggla</span>, Hinske lined a single to right that scored McLouth and gave the Braves the go-ahead run, 3-2, worth .209 WPA, the biggest swing in the game.</p>
<p><b>The Focus</b>:<br>Hanson recorded his fifth career double digit strikeout game, coming within one of his career high by fanning 10 Houston batters. Despite it being just his fifth, Hanson has two double digit strikeout games in his last four starts. By allowing just two runs - one earned - in seven innings, he hasn't allowed more than two runs in his last five starts, and he hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any start this season.</p>
<p><b>Stat of the Day</b>:<br>Hanson threw just 27 balls over 94 pitches.</p>
<p><b>WPA Winners</b>:<br>(HOU) <span>Matt Downs</span>: .348<br>(ATL) Eric Hinske: .227<br>(ATL) Joe Mather: .222</p>
<p><b>WPA Losers</b>:<br>(HOU) Fernando Abad: -.267<br>(HOU) <span>Brett Wallace</span>: -.223<br>(ATL) Brian McCann: -.176</p>
<p><b>Key Lines</b>:<br>(ATL) Tommy Hanson: 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 10 K, .054 WPA (7 GB, 4 FB)<br>(ATL) Eric Hinske: 3-4, RBI<br>(ATL) Joe Mather: 2-4, 2 RBI</p>
<p>(HOU) Matt Downs: 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, .348 WPA<br>(HOU) <span>Brett Myers</span>: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, -.032 WPA (8 GB, 4 FB)<br>(HOU) Fernando Abad: 0.1 IP, H, ER, 2 BB, K, -.267 WPA</p>
<p><b>Looking Forward</b>:<br>The Braves and Astros finish the two-game series with a 1:05 start on Tuesday as <span>Derek Lowe</span> faces <span>Wandy Rodriguez</span>.</p>
<p><i>For more on the series, Braves fans check out <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a> and Astros fans check out <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Crawfish Boxes</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2011/5/17/2174737/astros-vs-braves-tommy-hanson-fans-10-in-3-2-atlanta-winDavid Lee2011-05-16T22:04:50-04:002011-05-16T22:04:50-04:00Astros Vs. Braves Final Score: Eric Hinske Go-Ahead RBI Gives Atlanta 3-2 Win Over Houston
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<p>Another late hit proved to be the game-winner for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> as <span>Eric Hinske</span> singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh, pushing Atlanta past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> for a 3-2 win.</p>
<p>The theme for the first few innings was wasted opportunities for the Braves. They loaded the bases with one out in the first, but Hinske and Alex Gonzalez struck out to end the inning. They loaded the bases again in the second after a strikeout and force out with a runner on second, but <span>Brian McCann</span> grounded out to end the inning.</p>
<p>The Astros broke the scoreless tie in the fifth when <span>Matt Downs</span> hit a solo homer. But the Braves answered in the sixth when they put two in scoring position with one out, and <span>Joe Mather</span> singled home two for a 2-1 lead. With runners on first and second, <span>Martin Prado</span> grounded into a double play to end the inning.</p>
<p>Houston came back with the tying run in the seventh when Carlos Lee reached on a Prado error and eventually scored on a double by Downs. But the Braves again answered with the go-ahead run in the seventh when <span>Nate McLouth</span> walked, moved to second on a <span>Dan Uggla</span> walk and scored on a single by Hinske. It proved to be the game-winner.</p>
<p>Hinske went 3-4 with the go-ahead RBI. Mather went 2-4 with two RBIs, and he also drilled a liner to center that was caught. McLouth added a single and two walks. The Braves had nine hits, all singles, and five walks.</p>
<p><span>Tommy Hanson</span> allowed two runs on three hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out 10. One of the runs was unearned due to the Prado error that allowed the eventual run to reach base. Hanson looked as good as he has all season, inducing eight groundouts to four flyouts while throwing a ton of strikes over 94 pitches. It was Hanson's fifth career double digit strikeout game.</p>
<p>Eric O'Flaherty struck out two in a scoreless eighth. <span>Craig Kimbrel</span> struck out the side around a single for his 10th save.</p>
<p><span>Brett Myers</span> walked a tightrope throughout his six innings of work, allowing two runs on eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts. He got out of two bases-loaded situations and had to throw 110 pitches over six innings. <span>Fernando Abad</span> gave up the go-ahead run in the seventh.</p>
<p>Downs was the entire Houston offense, going 2-3 with a double, homer and two RBIs. The only other hits were two singles by Lee. The Astros struck out 15 times and walked once.</p>
<p><i>For more on the series, Braves fans check out <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a> and Astros fans check out <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Crawfish Boxes</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2011/5/16/2174596/astros-vs-braves-final-score-eric-hinske-go-ahead-rbi-gives-atlanta-3David Lee2011-05-16T17:01:17-04:002011-05-16T17:01:17-04:00Astros Vs. Braves: Atlanta Looks To Take Advantage Of Matchup In Series Opener
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<p>Following a series win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> wrap up the homestand with two games against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>. First pitch is 7:10 on Peachtree TV and Fox Sports South.</p>
<p>Astros Lineup:<br>1. <span>Michael Bourn</span>, CF<br>2. <span>Clint Barmes</span>, SS<br>3. <span>Hunter Pence</span>, RF<br>4. Carlos Lee, LF<br>5. <span>Brett Wallace</span>, 1B<br>6. <span>Bill Hall</span>, 2B<br>7. <span>Matt Downs</span>, 3B<br>8. <span>Humberto Quintero</span>, C<br>9. <span>Brett Myers</span>, SP</p>
<p>Braves Lineup:<br>1. <span>Martin Prado</span>, 3B<br>2. <span>Nate McLouth</span>, CF<br>3. <span>Brian McCann</span>, C<br>4. <span>Dan Uggla</span>, 2B<br>5. <span>Eric Hinske</span>, LF<br>6. Alex Gonzalez, SS<br>7. <span>Freddie Freeman</span>, 1B<br>8. <span>Joe Mather</span>, RF<br>9. <span>Tommy Hanson</span>, SP</p>
<p>Brett Myers (50.1 IP, 5.01 ERA, 5.20 FIP, 4.27 xFIP, 3.4 BB/9, 6.79 K/9, 42 GB%, 7.4 SwStr%)<br>(47.2 FB%, 22.4 SL%, 21 CB%, 9.4 CH%; 44.8 Swing%, 82.8 Contact%)<br>vs.<br>Tommy Hanson (46.2 IP, 2.51 ERA, 2.85 FIP, 3.12 xFIP, 2.51 BB/9, 8.49 K/9, 46 GB%, 8.6 SwStr%)<br>(56.7 FB%, 21.4 SL%, 14.9 CB%, 6.9 CH%; 43 Swing%, 79.4 Contact%)</p>
<p>The former Phillies pitcher is suffering from four terrible outings in his last four starts. Otherwise, he has a pretty solid ERA. Myers has allowed six runs, six runs, five runs and four runs in his last four outings, including three straight losses by scores that were not close. Myers has seen a significant rise in walks and home runs while having a decrease in ground balls. He's throwing the same pitches in the same spots, but he's giving up slightly more contact and receiving far fewer swinging strikes. Myers is hittable right now and the Braves need to take advantage.</p>
<p>Hanson hasn't allowed more than two runs in a start since April 17, spanning four starts. His most recent was one run in 5.2 innings against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a>, and while he threw a ton of pitches without his best command, he still held them to just five hits. Hanson's zone contact rate is down 4%, which has been a big reason for the increase in strikeouts.</p>
<p>Opposing Numbers:<br>The Braves have destroyed Myers in the past. Dan Uggla is 14-40 with five home runs. Brian McCann is 12-36 with two home runs. Alex Gonzalez is 7-23. Nate McLouth is 5-11 with three home runs. Martin Prado is 4-7.</p>
<p>The Astros have had little success against Hanson. Michael Bourn is 1-10. Carlos Lee is 2-8 and Hunter Pence is 2-9. Clint Barmes is 1-3 and Brett Wallace is 0-3.</p>
<p>What to Look For:<br>The Braves should be able to handle Myers. He's pitching poorly right now and Atlanta's offense has touched him up in the past.</p>
<p><i>For more on the series, Braves fans check out <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a> and Astros fans check out <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Crawfish Boxes</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2011/5/16/2174104/astros-vs-braves-atlanta-looks-to-take-advantage-of-matchup-in-seriesDavid Lee2011-05-16T11:46:41-04:002011-05-16T11:46:41-04:00Astros Vs. Braves: Atlanta Hosts Two-Game Set Before Traveling West
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<p>Following an eventful weekend series in which the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> hosted the Civil Rights Game and took two of three from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>, Atlanta dials things down a notch with a quick two-game set against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> before heading West.</p>
<p>By taking two of three from the Phillies, the Braves are now 3.5 games behind them in the NL East. Atlanta is also now 1.5 games behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/florida-marlins">Marlins</a> for second. The Braves are 3-3 on the current homestand.</p>
<p>The Astros continue to suffer through hard times, in the process of selling the team while sitting in last in the NL Central at 15-25. They are 5-8 in May, including dropping two of three to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> at home in their most recent series.</p>
<p>Monday, May 16 - 7:10 (Peachtree TV/Fox Sports South)<br><span>Brett Myers</span> (50.1 IP, 5.01 ERA, 5.20 FIP, 4.27 xFIP, 3.4 BB/9, 6.79 K/9, 42 GB%, 7.4 SwStr%)<br>(47.2 FB%, 22.4 SL%, 21 CB%, 9.4 CH%; 44.8 Swing%, 82.8 Contact%)<br>vs.<br><span>Tommy Hanson</span> (46.2 IP, 2.51 ERA, 2.85 FIP, 3.12 xFIP, 2.51 BB/9, 8.49 K/9, 46 GB%, 8.6 SwStr%)<br>(56.7 FB%, 21.4 SL%, 14.9 CB%, 6.9 CH%; 43 Swing%, 79.4 Contact%)</p>
<p>The former Phillies pitcher is suffering from four terrible outings in his last four starts. Otherwise, he has a pretty solid ERA. Myers has allowed six runs, six runs, five runs and four runs in his last four outings, including three straight losses by scores that were not close. Myers has seen a significant rise in walks and home runs while having a decrease in ground balls. He's throwing the same pitches in the same spots, but he's giving up slightly more contact and receiving far fewer swinging strikes. Myers is hittable right now and the Braves need to take advantage.</p>
<p>Hanson hasn't allowed more than two runs in a start since April 17, spanning four starts. His most recent was one run in 5.2 innings against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a>, and while he threw a ton of pitches without his best command, he still held them to just five hits. Hanson's zone contact rate is down 4%, which has been a big reason for the increase in strikeouts.</p>
<p>Tuesday, May 17 - 1:05 (SportSouth)<br><span>Wandy Rodriguez</span> (52 IP, 3.98 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 3.51 xFIP, 1.9 BB/9, 7.1 K/9, 42.5 GB%, 7.8 SwStr%)<br>(53.8 FB%, 33.6 CB%, 12.6 CH%; 45.1 Swing%, 82.5 Contact%)<br>vs.<br><span>Derek Lowe</span> (50.2 IP, 3.73 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 3.07 xFIP, 3.02 BB/9, 8.35 K/9, 56.9 GB%, 9.9 SwStr%)<br>(46.7 FB%, 27.1 SL%, 16.2 CH%, 10 CT%; 39.7 Swing%, 74.6 Contact%)</p>
<p>Rodriguez is having a good season so far, though it's just slightly off from his usual numbers. He has posted a walk per nine much lower than his career average of 3.16, but that has also come with a big drop in strikeouts. His home runs are up and ground balls are down. Rodriguez always lives with a line drive rate over 20%, which is surprising considering the solid numbers he always posts. Perhaps concerning to the Astros is an outside contact rate that is increasing over the past four years, currently sitting at 71.7%. As a result, his K/9 has steadily dropped the last four years. He may be fine now, but it's a trend that could signal a steep drop off within a few years as he reaches the mid-30s.</p>
<p>At first glance, Lowe's last outing against the Nationals seems ugly due to five runs allowed and two home runs, but he gave up just five hits and struck out six over six innings while inducing 13 ground balls and just four fly balls. It's the most strikeouts for Lowe in his last three starts, and he returned to double digit ground ball numbers for just the second time in six starts.</p>
<p>Astros Bullpen:<br>The Houston bullpen is among the worst in the National League, sporting a 5.06 ERA and 4.07 FIP, both next to last in the league. <span>Mark Melancon</span> took the closing role from <span>Brandon Lyon</span> after Lyon posted a 7.15 ERA in 11.1 innings. Melancon has a 1.83 ERA in 19.2 innings. Aside from him, <span>Jeff Fulchino</span> and <span>Wilton Lopez</span> are the only Astros relievers with ERA's under four. Everything else is ugly and not worth mentioning.</p>
<p>Projected Astros Lineup:<br>1. <span>Michael Bourn</span>, CF<br>2. <span>Clint Barmes</span>, SS<br>3. <span>Hunter Pence</span>, RF<br>4. Carlos Lee, LF<br>5. <span>Brett Wallace</span>, 1B<br>6. <span>Chris Johnson</span>, 3B<br>7. <span>Bill Hall</span>, 2B<br>8. <span>Humberto Quintero</span>, C</p>
<p>The Astros are middle of the pack in team wOBA at .318, as well as fWAR at 3.9. Bourn is a speedy leadoff hitter with no better than average on-base ability. Clint Barmes and <span>Angel Sanchez</span> swap out at shortstop, but neither is doing anything to wow. Hunter Pence continues to post good numbers, while Carlos Lee continues to be a gaping hole at cleanup. Brett Wallace has had perhaps the best season for Houston so far, hitting .333/.410/.468. Bill Hall has been a terrible addition, Chris Johnson has four walks this year and Humberto Quintero is nothing more than a defensive catcher.</p>
<p><i>For more on the series, Braves fans check out <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a> and Astros fans check out <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Crawfish Boxes</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/5/16/2335222/astros-vs-braves-atlanta-hosts-two-game-set-before-traveling-westDavid Lee