Atlanta Braves at Texas Rangers preview: Alex Wood vs. Derek Holland

After a hugely important and somewhat surprising victory on getaway day in the nation’s capital, the Atlanta Braves remain on the road, as they travel to Arlington to take on the Texas Rangers over the weekend. Inter-league play is always entertaining, but on the bright side for the Braves, the Rangers have been an utter mess this season, and that provides optimism in putting together a successful end to the road trip. Here we go.

The Pitching Match-up:

Left-hander Alex Wood takes the mound for Atlanta in the opener, and he has been the best pitcher on the staff for weeks. The 23-year-old has not allowed more than three runs in a single start since July 25th, covering eight straight quality outings, and his last trip to the hill provided a 7-inning, 2-run performance in a win over the Miami Marlins on the road. In other words, the Braves are in good hands with the former UGA product.

In opposition, the Rangers will send Derek Holland to the mound, and it has been an injury-plagued season for the 27-year-old left-hander. Holland made his first start of the season on September 2nd, but in terms of performance, he has been lights-out in allowing only 1 earned run over 14 innings pitched in his two starts since that return. Holland is the best pitcher on the Texas staff at the moment, with Yu Darvish sidelined with injury, and thus, he presents the biggest issue for the roller coaster ride that is the Atlanta offense.

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The Particulars:

Date: September 12, 2014

Start Time: 8:05 pm ET

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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The Predictions:

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

• Carlos: 18-10
• Brad: 11-17

After yet another day when Carlos out-smarted me (insert laughter here), we are back on the same side in backing Alex Wood and the Braves. In other words, I have no prayer of catching him this season.

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).