Tuesday, August 19, 2014

PNC Park in Pittsburgh

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Tuesday night, the Atlanta Braves will send Aaron Harang (9 – 7, 3.51 ERA) to the mound as they face the Pittsburgh Pirates and Francisco Liriano (3 – 9, 3.78 ERA).  It will be the 26th start for Harang and the 22nd for Liriano.

Aaron Harang took the loss in his last outing after getting roughed in just 4.1 innings of work.  Harang gave up 5 runs and 7 hits (including a homer) while walking 3 and striking out 3.  The loss broke a 5 game stretch where Harang didn’t get a single decision.  His last victory was back in early July and he is 4 - 1 in his last 10 outings.  Last season, Harang went 5 – 12 with a 5.40 ERA in 26 starts for the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets.

In 2013, Harang lost his only start against the Pirates.  Pittsburgh is batting .299 against Harang with 26 hits, a homer and 9 RBIs in 87 at-bats.

Francisco Liriano took his 2nd straight loss in his last start.  In the losing effort, Liriano took the loss despite only allowing 2 runs and 3 hits (including a home run).  He walked 4 and struck out 9.  Liriano is 0 - 2 in his last 3 starts mainly due to the lack of run support.  He is just 3 – 4 in his last 10 starts but that record is very deceiving considering how well he is pitching.  In 2013, Liriano posted a record of 16 – 8 with a 3.02 ERA in 26 starts.

Last season, Liriano didn’t face Atlanta and he has only seen 5 of the Braves before.  B.J. Upton is batting .294 against Liriano with 2 doubles and an RBI.       

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 51-64-9 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Atlanta Braves is 0

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 58-58-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta Braves

07/29/14 P Shae Simmons Shoulder 15-day DL (7/29)
06/20/14 P Gavin Floyd Elbow 60-day DL (6/20), out for season
06/20/14 P Pedro Beato Elbow 15-day DL (6/19)
03/29/14 P Brandon Beachy Elbow 60-day DL (3/21), out for season
03/29/14 P Cory Gearrin Elbow 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Kris Medlen Elbow 60-day DL (3/21), out for season
03/28/14 P Jonny Venters Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Pittsburgh Pirates

08/18/14 P Charlie Morton Hip 15-day DL (8/16)
08/16/14 P Stolmy Pimentel Ankle 15-day DL (8/14)
08/04/14 CF Andrew McCutchen Ribs 15-day DL (8/4)
07/08/14 P Gerrit Cole Side 15-day DL (7/5), expected to be activated & start Wednesday vs. Atlanta Braves
07/06/14 SS Clint Barmes Groin 15-day DL (6/30)

Josh's Pick: Take Atlanta

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Josh Schonwald