Atlanta Braves at New York Mets preview: Back to New York
By Brad Rowland
Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada (11) slides into home to score a run under Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Aaron Harang (34) in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
It has been just over a week since the Atlanta Braves lost a home series to the New York Mets at Turner Field, but they’ll have the opportunity to avenge that defeat beginning on Friday at Citi Field in Queens. Much to their chagrin, the Braves are coming off of a brutal, 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Phillies on Thursday afternoon, but they have more than “normal” rest as they play a night game following a day game.
35-year-old Aaron Harang will get the ball for Atlanta, and as you likely know by now, he has been incredible (I can’t believe I’m saying this) since joining the Braves. In 3 starts, Harang has allowed only 2 earned runs in 18.2 innings (0.96 ERA) and the peripherals (2.19 FIP, 8.20 K/9, 2.89 BB/9) indicate that it hasn’t been a total fluke. There is certainly some regression coming, but the Mets don’t provide a terrifying offense by any stretch of the imagination, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the old man continue his hot streak here.
For New York, it will be left-hander Jon Niese, who was been solid this season (3.46 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) and is probably the default “number one starter” for the Mets in the absence of Matt Harvey, simply because of tenure. Niese has never been spectacular with New York, but he’s posted four straight seasons with 1.6 fWAR or greater, and with the way some of the bats are swinging, he could slow down Atlanta’s offense if things are going right.
Here is a look at the particulars for Friday:
Date: April 18, 2014
Start Time: 7:10 p.m.
TV Channel: Fox Sports South
Radio: 680 AM/106.7 FM (Local in Atlanta), Full list of Local Affiliates
Live Stream: MLB.tv (Click Here, $)
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