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Atlanta Braves Host D-Backs for Weekend Series at Turner Field

By Jonathan Savitske

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The Atlanta Braves welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to town tonight as they square off against the Snakes in a three-game set at Turner Field this weekend.

The Atlanta Braves will look to rebound from a disappointing showing in Tampa, as the Braves dropped both games in the two-game series to the Rays. The Braves also blew a 6-3 lead in the 7th inning of Wednesday’s game to lose 9-6 as rookies Matt Marksberry and Ryan Kelly gave up 6 earned runs in that decisive frame.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks took 2 of 3 games from the Atlanta Braves when they met at Chase Field in June. During that series, the Braves bullpen gave away two of those games, allowing the D-backs to claw back and to claim the series victory. Coming into this series, the Diamondbacks are winner of 12 of their last 18 games, possessing a record of 56-57.

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The Atlanta Braves on the other hand have done just the opposite of the D-backs. Since July 8th, the Braves have the worst record in Major League Baseball at 9-21. While the Braves season has begun to look quite bleak, their record at home at Turner Field is an impressive 30-23.

Friday night’s game features Julio Teheran toeing the rubber against the Diamondbacks Robbie Ray. Teheran has had success against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the past, going 2-1 in four career starts against the Snakes with a 2.35 ERA. Those numbers are encouraging, considering that Teheran has not been himself for much of the season.

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Recently though, Teheran has found a groove, posting 5 quality starts in his last 7 outings. He will need to continue to pitch well at home to give the Atlanta Braves a chance. At Turner Field, he is 5-1 with a 2.52 ERA in 11 starts.

Diamondback’s rookie Robbie Ray will counter Teheran on Friday. Ray has pitched solidly this year, going 3-7 with a 3.13 ERA. The Atlanta Braves though will look to capitalize on Ray’s recent struggles, as the first-year pitcher has a 4.88 ERA and a 0-3 record over his last five games.

Even with the D-backs playing good ball as of late, the Atlanta Braves should be able to take at least two of the games this weekend, especially if they can find a way to give Shelby Miller run support when he pitches on Sunday. The Braves have played well at home recently, and with good outings by their starters, are perfectly capable of winning this series. 

Next: Atlanta Braves: Ready to Compete by 2017?

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