In the series finale, both the Braves and the Pirates send emerging young stars to the mound as Alex Wood (4-2, 3.19 ERA) goes up against Gerrit Cole (8-2, 1.90 ERA). Gerrit has be outstanding all year long and is beginning to live up to his billing when he was drafted 1st overall in 2011 by the Pirates. He currently sports an 8-2 record to go along with a 1.90 ERA and a K/BB rate of 4.94 which significantly better than his previous two seasons with the Pirates. Alex Wood hasn't had the season long dominance that Gerrit has, but he has been extremely effective in his last three starts, going 22 innings and giving up a total of 3 earned runs. Wood has also been outstanding at keeping the ball in the yard, as he has only allowed two home runs all year. This could prove helpful as the Braves have been hurt by the long ball a bit in this series, giving up two in the first game (a loss) and one to Andrew McCutchen which tied the second game. If Alex can go late in the game today and keep the ball out of the Braves' much maligned bullpen's hands as much as possible, it could go a long way towards helping the Braves chances in the series decider.
While Christian Bethancourt was the hero last night with a walk-off, opposite field homer, A.J. Pierzynski still gets the start today and hopes to find his early season form at the plate. The Braves will also welcome back Jace Peterson who has missed a couple of games after receiving injections for a thumb injury. He was available to pinch-hit last night, but it is worth watching how he does today. Neither team has done particularly well against the opposing pitcher, with the Gerrit Cole being 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in two starts against the Braves and Alex Wood being 0-1 with a 2.87 ERA in two starts and a relief appearance against the Pirates. However, Cole has little experience against the newly retooled Braves lineup and the Braves' offense has been clicking of late, scoring 35 runs in their first 5 games in June.
Questions for the Day
How many innings does Alex Wood make it today?
Will the Braves' bullpen start to turn things around with a good showing today?
Who is the player that makes the biggest contribution today?
Let us know your guesses in the comments and come join us for what should be a beautiful day for baseball!
