Atlanta Braves at New York Mets preview: Getaway day

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher David Hale (right) talks with catcher Ryan Doumit (left) against the New York Mets during the 1st inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday afternoon baseball hardly ever disappoints, and that is where we find ourselves with the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets on getaway day at Citi Field. The Braves are coming off of another victory on Saturday night, but unfortunately for Atlanta, they are set to have their worst pitching match-up of the series, as David Hale squares off against young stud Zack Wheeler.

Wheeler’s numbers (4.67 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) aren’t exactly lights-out this season, but the 23-year-old right-hander from Smyrna is capable of much more, especially against a lineup that could be weakened by off-days. The Braves are notorious for sending out softened lineups in day games after night games, and while we won’t know until the lineup posts, it is sometimes an adventure.

Fredi Gonzalez will send David Hale to the mound for the Braves, and after being skipped in his last outing (thanks to a rainout), Hale will have the opportunity to make up for his ugly recent outing. For the season, his ERA is a solid 2.89, but with a walk rate in the stratosphere (6.75 per 9 innings), Hale’s control will be something to monitor for the duration of this outing.

Here is a look at the particulars for Sunday:

Date: April 20, 2014

Start Time: 1:10 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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