[ad_1]
The Atlanta Braves, house owners of the very best document within the majors, can have one other probability to show that they’re nonetheless a pressure to be reckoned with after they face the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday within the second contest of a four-game set
Within the collection opener on Monday, Atlanta fell 7-6 after giving up six runs within the third — all charged to strikeout guru Spencer Strider, who had his shortest outing of the season (2 2/3 innings)
The Braves had gained eight straight in opposition to Pittsburgh relationship again to July 7, 2021, outscoring the Pirates 58-17 throughout that stretch
Total, Atlanta has misplaced three straight video games, is 10-11 because the All-Star break and is in peril of being overtaken by Baltimore atop the main league standings
However the Braves aren’t in peril of dropping their confidence
“These final three video games, we have been proper there and we’re a success away,” Atlanta supervisor Brian Snitker mentioned. “It simply makes it exhausting to have to return from behind.
The Pirates are hanging round close to the underside of the Nationwide League however have gained two in a row, three of 4 and are 10-7 since they misplaced 5 straight to begin the second half of the season
“If we preserve doing the issues that we have been doing, this crew is gonna be nasty,” mentioned Pittsburgh second baseman Liover Peguero, who went 2-for-4 on Monday. “In a great way.
Atlanta right-hander Yonny Chirinos (5-4, 4.42 ERA) is anticipated to begin reverse Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller (9-8, 4.35) on Tuesday
After establishing himself because the Pirates‘ ace, Keller has faltered since making his first All-Star look. He has misplaced every of his previous 4 begins
Whereas run help has been a problem, there are many issues that relaxation with Keller. In his most up-to-date outing, Keller allowed eight runs on 9 hits in 5 innings in opposition to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday
“Undoubtedly irritating,” Keller mentioned. “Nearly the one phrase I’ve acquired.
Over his first 10 begins of the season, Keller had a 2.44 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings. In his previous 13 begins, he has a 5.92 ERA, giving up 50 earned runs in 76 innings
“It is all about execution — when he executes, pitches together with his stuff, he has the flexibility to get outs,” Pittsburgh supervisor Derek Shelton mentioned of Keller
What Keller is particularly not executing nicely is his setup pitch, his cutter
“I feel that is one of many huge drivers. … It is simply off. It occurs. I’ve to get it again,” Keller mentioned
Keller hasn’t fared nicely in opposition to the Braves in a small pattern measurement. He’s 0-2 with a ten.03 ERA in three profession begins
Chirinos, who has by no means confronted the Pirates, was out and in of the Tampa Bay Rays’ rotation earlier than the Braves acquired him off waivers. His two appearances with Atlanta have been begins and he has gone 1-0
In his most up-to-date outing, Chirinos beat the Angels final Wednesday after giving up three runs on six hits in 5 innings. He walked one and struck out 5
–Area Degree Medi
[ad_2]
