It's not often that a pitcher starts six games in a single month. But with the way the calendar and his turn in the rotation combined, Matt Wisler will make his sixth start of May in the month's final game on Tuesday night, as the Braves take on the San Francisco Giants.
Prior to the weekend, the Braves had won two of their first 22 home games. In their series against the Miami Marlins, Atlanta doubled that win total, and increased it to five home wins with a win in the series opener with the Giants on Monday.
The Braves are 6-7 overall under interim manager Brian Snitker, and that relative success is due in part to their success in close and late games. From David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
After going 4-12 in games decided by one or two runs during their 9-28 start with Gonzalez as manager, the Braves are 4-2 in games decided by one or two runs during their 6-7 run since Snitker took over.
The Braves would like not to have to worry about that stat and pick up an easy win. To do so, Wisler will have to improve upon his 2-2 record in May and 2.25 ERA. In each of his previous five starts in the month, he has gone at least six innings, a huge help for a Braves bullpen that has had its struggles overall. However, he is 0-3 on the season at Turner Field and will look to notch his first home win.
Jake Peavy toes the rubber for the Giants, and this season has been one massive struggle to this point. On the road in four starts in 2016, he is 0-3 with a 10.00 ERA. The Alabama native is also 0-2 in three career starts at Turner Field.
A few Braves hitters have some solid numbers against Peavy. Ender Inciarte is 5-for-13, while Jeff Francoeur has hit .344 (11-for-32). Nick Markakis has seven hits and a home run in 21 at-bats.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, May 31, 7:10 p.m. ET
Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Ga.
TV: FOX Sports Southeast
Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM, WYAY 106.7, Braves Radio Network