Series Preview: Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox

After taking two out of three from the Colorado Rockies over the weekend, the Atlanta Braves are set to welcome in the defending world champion, as well as losers of 10 straight, Boston Red Sox to Turner Field. Each of those couldn’t possibly be stated enough. The Sox are, in fact, the defending champs, which is never something to take lightly. However, they also haven’t won a game since winning against the Minnesota Twins 9-4 on May 14th (the Braves, unfortunately, still haven’t forgotten what a long and ugly losing streak is like). Boston is also coming off a sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays in which they were walked off against twice and were involved in a benches clearing altercation yesterday. Needless to say, tensions are high.

The series will kick off at the Ted on Monday and Tuesday, and will feature Boston pitchers who have loved to give up runs so far.

Monday: Clay Buchholz (2-4, 6.32 ERA) vs. Ervin Santana (4-2, 3.42)

Tuesday: Jon Lester (4-6, 3.36) vs. Aaron Harang (4-4, 3.32)

Then, like we saw against Toronto last year, the game will shift up to Boston for the final two games, which players and fans alike have made sure to note how much they dislike, but it’s still a part of the MLB schedule. While the Sox haven’t made available their starters, we do know who will go for the Braves.

Wednesday: TBD vs. Gavin Floyd (0-1, 2.49)

Thursday: TBD vs. Mike Minor (2-3, 3.90)

This, oddly enough, could be a trap series of sorts for the Braves. They’re coming off a big series win against the best offense in the National League, and the Sox are slumping. It’s certainly a situation in which Boston can be overlooked, but again, they’re the defending world champs (tired of hearing that yet?s), so they’ll be ready to play.

Stay tuned for all the coverage throughout the week!