Monday, September 22, 2014

Turner Field in Atlanta

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Monday night, Francisco Liriano (6 -10, 3.45 ERA) gets the call for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they face Aaron Harang (11 -11, 3.68 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves.  It will be the 28th start for Liriano and the 32nd start for Harang.

Francisco Liriano got his 3rd straight win in his last start.  Liriano held the opposition to a run on 3 hits in 6 innings of work.  He struck out 2 but walked 5.  Liriano has had trouble issuing free passes in recent weeks even though it hasn’t hurt him much.  He has been able to outpitch the walks and is 4 - 3 in his last 10 starts.  Last season, he went 16 – 8 with a 3.02 ERA in 26 starts.   

In 2013, Liriano didn’t face the Braves but he has seen them once this season.  In that start, Liriano took the loss after getting torched for 9 runs and 10 hits (including a homer) in just 4 innings.

Aaron Harang took the hard luck loss his last time out.  Harang surrendered just 2 runs and 5 hits (including a home run) in 7 innings of work.  He walked 2 and struck out 8.  But Harang’s offense let him down and he was on the hook for the loss. Harang has struggled in recent weeks and is just 2 -5 in his last 10 starts.   Last season, Harang was 5 – 12 with a 5.40 ERA in 26 starts for the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners.

In 2013, Harang lost his only start against the Pirates.  Harang beat the Pirates about a month ago after holding them to 3 runs and 9 hits in 8.1 innings.   

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 71-75-8 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.3

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 60-81-13 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta Braves is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Pirates

09/20/14 P Charlie Morton Hernia expected to miss Sunday vs. Milwaukee Brewers
09/10/14 3B Pedro Alvarez Foot out indefinitely
08/16/14 P Stolmy Pimentel Ankle 15-day DL (8/14)

Atlanta Braves

09/21/14 RF Jason Heyward Thumb is downgraded to not expected to be in the starting lineup Sunday vs. New York Mets
09/17/14 C Evan Gattis Intestinal out indefinitely
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); out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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