Game Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets (Game 2)

Saturday, September 18 – 4:10 (FOX)
Atlanta Braves (84-64) vs. New York Mets (74-74)

Tim Hudson
(2.62 ERA, 3.79 xFIP, 2.75 BB/9, 5.41 K/9, 7.2 SwStr%, 64.8 GB%)
(Career vs. NYM: 19 GS, 12-6, 3.46 ERA, 32 BB, 53 K)
vs.
Dillon Gee
(2 GS, 13 IP, 7 H, ER, 7 BB, 7 K)
(Career vs. ATL: First Start)

Braves vs. Gee:
None

Mets vs. Hudson:
Carlos Beltran: 25-67, 3 2B, 3B, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 9 BB, 9 K
Jose Reyes: 15-57, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K
David Wright: 12-52, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 3 K
Luis Castillo: 9-37, 3 RBI, BB, 4 K
Angel Pagan: 6-12, 2B, 2 RBI
Ike Davis: 2-6, 2B, 3 BB
Lucas Duda: 0-4, K

What to Watch:
Getting a good start from Tim Hudson. He has allowed at least four runs in each of his past three starts, including six runs in five innings to the Cardinals last time out, and has lost his last three starts. Getting him back on track is crucial to the Braves down this stretch, and now would be a perfect time to have that happen in order to take two quick ones from the Mets. The Mets counter with Dillon Gee, who is making his third career start, meaning he has the first-look advantage.

My Take on the Opposition:
The Mets have a new winner taking the mound in his third career start. Gee had a 4.96 ERA in 161 minor league innings this season, recording a 4.02 K/BB. He showed tremendous command and the ability to punch out a lot of hitters in his second full season as a starter. Gee allowed one run on two hits in seven innings against the Nationals in his debut, followed by six shutout innings against the Pirates. However, he has seven walks and seven strikeouts in the two starts. Gee’s pitch arsenal is pretty balanced, throwing an equal amount of sliders and changeups, and also throwing a good number of curves. His slider and change have had success so far.