Braves at Rays
So far in 2012, Atlanta has found plenty of success away from Turner
Field. The Braves won their major-league leading 15th road game of the
season in Friday’s series opener at Tampa Bay, handing the Rays only
their fifth loss at home this season. The Braves already have won twice
at Dodger Stadium and swept defending World Series champion St. Louis in
Busch Stadium. Tampa Bay has lost two in a row since winning four
straight.
Friday’s loss dropped the Rays two games behind
Baltimore in the American League East. Injuries have ravaged Tampa Bay’s
roster as nine Rays are currently on the disabled list. The Rays start
right-hander Alex Cobb, promoted to take the place of Jeff Niemann in
the rotation. Niemann suffered a small fracture in his right leg in his
last start against Toronto. The Braves lead the National League East by
1½ games and have won six of their past eight.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Peachtree TV (Atlanta), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Atlanta RH Randall Delgado (2-3, 3.79 ERA) vs. Tampa Bay RH Alex Cobb (2011: 3-2, 3.42)
Delgado
has pitched far better than his record indicates. The 22-year-old has
allowed only three runs over 20 1/3 innings in his past three starts,
but is 0-1 with two no-decisions thanks in large part to poor run
support. Delgado has not won since beating the Mets on April 17. Cobb
made nine starts for Tampa Bay last season, striking out 37 in 52 2/3
innings. He was 1-4 with a 4.14 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Durham
this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Since losing their first four games this season – all on the road – the Braves are 25-11 overall and 15-4 on the road.
2. Cobb struck out eight in five shutout innings for Triple-A Durham in his last start.
3. Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman drove in two runs in Friday’s series opener, giving him 32 for the season.