Atlanta Braves at New York Mets preview: Julio Teheran vs. Zack Wheeler

After a rough end to the weekend in Cincinnati, the Atlanta Braves stumbled out of the blocks in dropping a close decision to the New York Mets on Tuesday evening. With that, the Braves have now lost three in a row and four out of six games as they enter Wednesday night, and that ratchets up the intensity considerably in advance of the second game of the series. Let’s take a look at the pitching battle.

The Pitching Match-up:

During his last outing in Cincinnati, Julio Teheran reminded everyone of just how dynamic he can be. The right-hander cruised through six scoreless innings, allowing only four hits without issuing a walk, and if it wasn’t for a significant lead, Teheran likely would have pitched deep into the evening. For the season, the 23-year-old Teheran has accumulated a 2.96 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, and he is among the best when it comes to young starting pitchers in the game today. New York’s lineup has some spots of strength, but on the whole, this is a group that Teheran can navigate if he has above-average stuff.

Teheran will be opposed by Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler, who was also a high-level prospect as he made his way through New York’s system. The Smyrna native has taken a step forward this season with a 3.48 ERA in 152.2 innings for the Mets, and Wheeler has allowed three earned runs or fewer in ten consecutive outings. Atlanta’s bats can run hot and cold, but they’ll need at least some warmth to touch Wheeler’s arsenal.

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The Particulars:

Date: August 27, 2014

Start Time: 7:10 pm ET

TV Channel: SportSouth

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

Live Stream: MLB.tv (Click Here, $)

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The Predictions:

Before we offer our predictions for today, here’s a look at our records to this point:

• Carlos: 13-8
• Brad: 9-12

After a loss for both of us on Tuesday, Carlos will be backing the workhorse that is Julio Teheran, and in order to attempt to get back into the contest, I will pick the local product in Zack Wheeler to lead the Mets. Let’s hope I’m wrong.

Please feel free to sound off in the comments with your predictions for the game and feel free to rub it in our faces when you beat us on twitter (@ATLBeatBlog).