House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves Series Preview: Cardinals present another measuring stick in NL

By Matthew Browning

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper pushes Jose Martinez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the game at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper pushes Jose Martinez #38 of the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the game at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

The Atlanta Braves open their next homestand with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals starting Tuesday night.

Over the past three seasons, the Atlanta Braves have not fared particularly well against the Redbirds, going just 7-11 and it would have been even worse if not for a 4-2 record last season.

The Atlanta Braves offense has picked it up recently after moving Ronald Acuna Jr. to the leadoff spot and then bumping Josh Donaldson to the cleanup spot.

From that standpoint, the Atlanta Braves have good matchups this week as the Cardinals pitching staff is ranked 14th in ERA in baseball, but have recently given up 5.7 runs per game over their past 10 games.

In those 10 contests, the Cardinals have given up double-digit runs three times.

The Cardinals have been frustratingly inconsistent offensively, as aside from a 17-run outburst against the Pirates last Thursday, St. Louis has averaged just 2.7 runs per game in the other nine games.

After winning three games in a row in Arizona, the Atlanta Braves have a great chance to keep the momentum going against the Cardinals, who are 2-8 in their past 10 games.

But regardless, the Cardinals are a team that will be there in the end. They may not be able to catch the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, but you can bet they’ll be in the Wild Card race.

If the Atlanta Braves can’t keep up with the Phillies, they’ll likely be fighting for a Wild Card spot. This will be another good test against an NL contender who they could be battling for a Wild Card spot.

On to the pitching matchups

Home/Braves News