Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves (Game 2)

Friday, September 10 – 7:35 (Peachtree TV)
St. Louis Cardinals (73-65) vs. Atlanta Braves (80-61)

Chris Carpenter
(2.90 ERA, 3.76 xFIP, 2.37 BB/9, 6.95 K/9, 8.6 SwStr%, 52.2 GB%)
(Career vs. ATL: 8 GS, 3-2, 5.83 ERA, 13 BB, 33 K)
vs.
Mike Minor
(5.33 ERA, 3.56 xFIP, 2.33 BB/9, 10.33 K/9, 11.6 SwStr%, 38 GB%)
(Career vs. STL: First Start)

Braves Lineup vs. Carpenter:

1. Omar Infante: 1-2
2. Jason Heyward: 0-2, BB
3. Martin Prado: 1-7, K
4. Brian McCann: 3-10, HR, RBI, 2 K
5. Derrek Lee: 17-55, 3 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 11 K
6. Nate McLouth: 4-18, RBI, 4 K
7. Alex Gonzalez: 3-23, 3 2B, RBI, BB, 4 K
8. Melky Cabrera: 1-3, RBI

Cardinals vs. Minor:
None

What to Watch:
Like last night, the key is how the Braves handle Chris Carpenter. They have had a bit more success against him than Adam Wainwright, but Carpenter is a tough pitcher having another great season. They need to be aggressive early like last night. Mike Minor needs to do the opposite of Jair Jurrjens.

My Take on the Opposition:
Carpenter is not far behind Wainwright in effectiveness this season, posting a 3.76 xFIP and 2.93 K/BB. He’s getting grounders at a rate of 52% and has remained durable for the Cardinals, currently at 204 innings. Carpenter allowed two runs in six innings against the Braves earlier this season, but the Braves have had success against him in his career, recording a 5.83 ERA in eight starts.