Game Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. Colorado Rockies (Game 1)

Monday, August 23 – 8:40 (SportSouth)
Atlanta Braves (73-51) vs. Colorado Rockies (63-60)

Tim Hudson
(2.15 ERA, 4.04 xFIP, 2.94 BB/9, 4.77 K/9, 6.7 SwStr%, 65.2 GB%)
(Career vs. COL: 5 GS, 3-2, 4.65 ERA, 14 BB, 24 K)
vs.
Jason Hammel
(4.36 ERA, 3.80 xFIP, 2.51 BB/9, 7.26 K/9, 6.8 SwStr%)
(Career vs. ATL: 3 GS, 0-2, 12.66 ERA, 4 BB, 7 K)

Braves vs. Hammel:
Melky Cabrera: 3-11, 2B, RBI, BB
Derrek Lee: 0-6, K
Eric Hinske: 3-3, 2B, 3 RBI, BB
Martin Prado: 3-3, RBI, BB
Alex Gonzalez: 1-3
Brian McCann: 1-3, RBI, K
Jason Heyward: 2-2

Rockies vs. Hudson:
Melvin Mora: 6-22, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
Jason Giambi: 8-19, 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Miguel Olivo: 2-20, 2B, HR, RBI, 6 K
Todd Helton: 6-10, 3 2B, 4 RBI, BB
Clint Barmes: 1-10, K
Troy Tulowitzki: 3-6, K
Chris Iannetta: 1-3, 2B, K
Ryan Spilborghs: 0-2, BB, K

What to Look For:
How the Braves handle Jason Hammel this time around. They got to him for seven runs in less than two full innings earlier this season and he has allowed 18 runs in 10.2 career innings against them. Coming off a 16-run game against the Cubs, the Braves offense should be swinging hard tonight. Several Rockies hitters have good career numbers against Tim Hudson as well, so that’s something else to watch.

My Take on the Opposition:
Hammel has pitched better than a 4.36 ERA, recording a 3.80 xFIP. He’s maintaining his great walk rate from last year at 2.51 BB/9 while increasing his strikeouts to 7.26 K/9. He’s not missing as many bats (70% O-Contact%) due to a decrease in the success of his curve, which was insane last season. Still, he has one of the best curves in the game and it’s fun to watch, no matter who you root for. Hammel maintains a 45% GB% and isn’t allowing as many homers. He was bombed by the Braves earlier this season, allowing seven runs in less than two full innings, and has allowed 18 runs in 10.2 career innings against them.