Braves at Astros
The consensus to start the season was that Atlanta had a chance to contend for a playoff spot again, while Houston could end up being historically bad. Things didn’t look that way opening weekend. The Braves struggled to get their offense going while being swept by the Mets, and the Astros got some strong work on the mound and won two of three against the Rockies.
Atlanta took five of six from the Astros last season, allowing an average of just 2.2 runs. While their pitching has been adequate in the early going, the Braves' bats have struggled. Dan Uggla and Brian McCann are a combined 2-for-20. Houston, which began 0-5 last year, has gotten production from the Carlos Lee and J.D. Martinez in the middle of its lineup.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSS (Atlanta), FSH (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Brandon Beachy (2011: 7-3, 3.68 ERA) vs. Astros LH J.A. Happ (2011: 6-15, 5.35 ERA)
Beachy set a franchise rookie record with 169 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings last season. But the 25-year old struggled in September, going 0-1 with a 5.27 ERA in five starts as Atlanta collapsed and missed the postseason. Beachy has never faced Houston.
Happ was one of the worst pitchers in the league for much of the 2011 season, carrying a 6.26 ERA into August. But the left-hander settled in down the stretch, closing with a 2-1 record and a 2.43 ERA over his last six starts. Happ owns a 2-0 mark and a 2.09 ERA in seven career appearances - six starts - against Atlanta.
WALK-OFFS:
1. The Braves struck out 25 times in the first three games.
2. Atlanta CF Michael Bourn was traded from Houston in July and will be making his first appearance back at Minute Maid Park since the deal.
3. Lee’s two career home runs against the Braves mark his second-lowest total against any team.