Braves at Phillies preview: Ramiro Pena batting second in finale

After sweeping Saturday’s doubleheader yesterday, the Atlanta Braves will be looking for a full series sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies with Aaron Harang on the mound taking on David Buchanan.

Before we jump into the pitching matchups, let’s take a quick look at today’s lineup:

Fredi Gonzalez continues to tinker with the top half of the lineup, and today Ramiro Pena‘s getting a shot in the two-hole. With Pena at third, and Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Stella in their usual positions, the Braves are probably looking at their best possible infield defense.

Alright, let’s take a quick look at the matchups on the mound.

In 41.1 innings so far this season, Buchanan is looking at a 4.79 ERA, 4.87 FIP and 3.85 xFIP, while striking out 5.88 batters per nine and walking 2.18 per nine. His last start was one of his better outings of the year, despite walking four batters. He held the Marlins to two earned runs over five innings. In four of his six other starts this year he’s given up more than two runs.

Harang should have all kinds of motivation going into this game, as the Phillies pummelled him for eight runs over five innings back on June 18. Aside from that and one other start against the Marlins, Harang has been extremely solid for the Braves. On the year, he’s posted a 3.78 ERA, 3.14 FIP and 3.92 xFIP while striking out 8.31 per nine and walking 3.49 per nine.

Here are the particulars for today’s finale:

Date: June 29, 2014

Start Time: 1:35 pm ET

TV Channel: SportSouth, MLB Network (National)

Radio: 680 AM/106.7 FM (Local in Atlanta), Full list of Local Affiliates

Live Stream: MLB.tv (Click Here, $)

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