Game Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves (Game 2)

Saturday, August 14 – 7:10 (Peachtree TV)
Los Angeles Dodgers (59-57) vs. Atlanta Braves (67-48)

Ted Lilly
(3.60 ERA, 4.37 xFIP, 2.01 BB/9, 6.92 K/9, 7.9 SwStr%)
(Career vs. ATL: 8 GS, 3-2, 5.02 ERA, 12 BB, 47 K)
vs.
Derek Lowe
(4.40 ERA, 4.05 xFIP, 3.32 BB/9, 5.68 K/9, 8 SwStr%)
(Career vs. LAD: 4 GS, 1-1, 3.42 ERA, 9 BB, 10 K)

Braves vs. Lilly:
Troy Glaus: 2-20, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 7 K
Alex Gonzalez: 6-18, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, BB, 5 K
Rick Ankiel: 3-13, 2B, HR, RBI, 3 K
Omar Infante: 2-8, 3B, BB
Brian McCann: 2-7, 2 RBI, BB, K
Eric Hinske: 1-6, 2B, BB, 3 K
Matt Diaz: 1-6
Melky Cabrera: 1-5, 2B

Dodgers vs. Lowe:
Brad Ausmus: 4-23, 3 2B, 2 RBI, 3 K
Casey Blake: 4-14, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
Ryan Theriot: 2-15, 2B, 2 K
Scott Podsednik: 2-7, 3 BB, K
Andre Ethier: 3-6, 3B, HR, RBI
James Loney: 2-6, RBI
Matt Kemp: 0-3, 2 K

What to Look For:
Possibly more than one run between the two teams tonight. Both pitchers are pitching well right now and the Braves always struggle against lefties, so it could be another tight game. Rain could become a factor, which may affect the Braves more than the Dodgers with Lowe’s sinker.

My Take on the Opposition:
Lilly isn’t pitching as well as his 3.60 ERA indicates, recording a 4.37 xFIP with a .250 BABIP. He’s missing fewer bats and is striking out only 6.92 K/9. He’s maintaining a solid walk rate at 2.01 BB/9, but he’s also giving up more homers and fewer grounders. His slider is worth -2.3 this season, the first time it has been below average since 2005. Also his changeup has been below average. Lilly has a 5.02 ERA in eight starts against the Braves.