Game Preview: 7/1 vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Alright, folks.  This is an important series, there’s no doubt about it.  I know that we are still two weeks away from the all-star break, but this series could go a long way in deciding whether or not Atlanta will be buyers or sellers at the deadline later this month.

This series is also crucial in that Atlanta gets the three games at the Ted, where they have been much better than their counterparts this season.  If Atlanta can keep up their home-cooking ways, maybe finally break their one-run game losing streak (now at 23), and take at least two of three from Philly here, I think we will be in good position heading into the break.

With Chipper reportedly headed to the DL with his strained quad, it’s important that Atlanta gets their other bats going in these three games.

Here is your pitching matchup for Game 1 of the three game set.

	vs.
Kyle Kendrick		Charlie Morton
7-3	W-L	1-1
4.59	ERA	4.24
39	K	11
27	BB	6

Kendrick has been pretty good in a very poor Phillies rotation, posting a 7-3 record so far.  His ERA is fairly high and he certainly is touchable, so hopefully Atlanta can jump on him early and get to that awful Philly ‘pen quickly.  Morton will be making his 4th start this season for the Braves, and personally I like what I’ve seen from him so far.  I’m predicting a good start tonight, probably a QS at the least.

Best vs. Kendrick: Jeff Francoeur (4-11, 2 RBI)

Worst vs. Kendrick: Brian McCann (1-10, 1 K, 2 GIDP)

Prediction: Braves 5, Phillies 4

Atlanta pulls out to an early lead on a Jeff Francoeur two-run homer in the second off Kendrick.  Morton exits in the seventh with two on and the bullpen gives back two runs to let the Phillies back to within one.  Gonzalez closes the door on the Phils and break Atlanta’s one-run losing streak…finally.