Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Turner Field in Atlanta

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On Tuesday night, Gerrit Cole (10-5) will be going for his fourth consecutive win for the Pittsburgh Pirates when they face second-year starter Alex Wood (11-10) and the Atlanta Braves.

Right-hander Gerrit Cole had a strong outing against the Boston Red Sox last Thursday and ended up picking up the win. He went seven innings in that start and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out seven batters and walking no one. His ERA went down to 3.85 following that win and he has struck out 118 batters in 124 innings this season.

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward has one hit in three at-bats against Cole with a walk and a double. None of the other Braves have faced the right-hander more than three times in their careers.

Alex Wood was able to pick up his first win of the month last Wednesday when he beat the Washington Nationals at home. He gave up one run in six innings of work that day while walking one batter and striking out eight. He now has a solid 2.78 ERA on the year and has struck out 8.9 batters per nine innings.

Pirates first baseman Gaby Sanchez has two hits in three at-bats against Wood in his career with a walk and no strikeouts. Starling Marte is hitless in four plate appearances against Wood with no walks and one strikeout.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 71-76-8 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.3

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 61-81-13 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Atlanta Braves is -0.1

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh Pirates

09/20/14 P Charlie Morton Hernia "?" next start
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 "?" Monday vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
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

Tony's Pick: Take Atlanta

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