TUESDAY FIRST 5 INNINGS PLAY (YTD 14-16)

[jimmythegreek]

Philadelphia/Atlanta over 5 -115:
As both these clubs continue to play for pride as the NL East has become a virtual runaway for first place Washington, even the wildcard is much out of reach for Atlanta (51-59) and last place Philadelphia (40-69), whom despite plenty of early optimism holds the worst record in the majors. This past weekend, the Braves took 2 our of 3 from Miami while Philadelphia salvaged a game at Colorado, their first win in 6 tries thus far on their 8 game road trip. Both teams virtually don’t have too much to lose so distant from the race, and with just 50 games left with rosters expanding to 40 next month, it gives them a chance to showcase some talent in the lower ball farm system as they look toward the future.

Atlanta sends Julio Teheran (7-9 5.10) to the hill who at times has pitched better than his linescore indicates, while in others can’t seem to shake a multi-game funk. Teheran unfortunately has shown the latter as of late winless in exactly a month while dropping his last 3 decisions yielding 14 earned over his last 16 innings pitched (7.88). He faces a Phillies lineup batting just .249 overall averaging about 4 runs per contest with the third fewest HR in the majors at only 112. With no batters anywhere near .300, Cesar Hernandez (.294 6 20) brings in an 11 game hitting streak with a .391 clip over that span. Maikel Franco (.230 17 57) leads the club in production out of the hot corner and has hit safely in his last 4 games (.375). Aaron Altherr (.285 16 49) has been another one of the few bright spots this season but returned to the DL after aggravating a hamstring injury. Tommy Joseph (.249 16 54) has had an excellent sophomore season, but is hitting just .230 over his last 8 games. Odubel Herrera (.277 11 41) has a 10 game hitting streak (.333) and has been a very valuable part of this team’s future.

The Phillies counter with Zach Eflin (0-3 6.13) who is making just his 9th start of the season. Recalled from AAA Lehigh Valley, the 23 year old sophomore righty is in search of his first win not looking sharp at all over his last 3 decisions. Eflin has coughed up 23 earned runs in just 15 innings pitched (13.80) and hasn’t started for Philadelphia since May 28th trying to right the ship on his mechanics and control during his stint in the minors. He faces an Atlanta lineup batting a respectable .260 this season averaging 4.6 runs per contest despite just 116 HR overall. Freddie Freeman (.317 20 45) has returned to first base and despite a season marred by injury, continues to be consistent and productive at the plate. Matt Kemp (.290 14 48) has also been marred by injuries this season and has once again landed on the DL due to a hamstring aggravation. Matt Adams (.274 16 49) has dealt with dizziness as of late and despite his enticing numbers is also battling a 3 for 21 slump (.143). Ender Inciarte (.297 8 40) leads the Braves in steals with 14 in 19 attempts (74%) and the club leader in batting has a 12 game hitting streak (.278) entering tonight’s action. Nick Markakis (.280 6 54) has sat recently against lefties but has hit safely in 5 of his last 7 contests. Brandon Phillips (.285 8 41) moves from second to third base this week but is mired in a 5 for 28 slump (.179) over the last week.

We get a relatively fair price this evening at a venue which is considered the second coming of the launching pad from the days of Fulton County Stadium. SunTrust Park has relatively favorable dimensions to the hitters dead center at 400 feet and about 330 to the corners. While both teams collectively do not have big-time seasonal power, there is some individual pop in the lineups. Given both pitchers’ misfortunes all season long, the hope just to notch a quality start and weather permitting, we hope to get this game in at least through the first half and work towards getting back in the win column. Best of luck however you play!

[Guest boatboatboat]

I approve of this play

[Guest boatboatboat]

What's interesting is when you look at how these two pictures if fared versus the teams they opposed this evening they pitched pretty well