Braves at Astros
Chipper Jones provided the spark that a reeling Atlanta offense needed on Tuesday night, helping the Braves record their first victory of the young season by defeating the Houston Astros. Jones, who will turn 40 this month, went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in his first start after sitting out the first four games with an injured knee.
The Astros, who are projected by many to be the worst team in the National League, had won three in a row before the setback. Ace Wandy Rodriguez is on the hill against the Braves’ fifth starter, youngster Randall Delgado. Houston will look to take its second straight series to open the season after setting a franchise record with 106 losses in 2011.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), Fox Sports Houston
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Randall Delgado (2011: 1-1, 2.83 ERA) vs. Astros LH Wandy Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Delgado had a fairly impressive rookie campaign near the end of the 2011 season, but he made it past five innings only once in seven starts. He also struck out just 18 and walked 14 in 35 total innings. The 22-year-old has never faced the Astros.
Rodriguez threw 6 1/3 shutout innings on opening day against the Colorado Rockies, but then the bullpen failed him in a 5-3 loss. The 33-year-old is undoubtedly the team’s ace, and he’s 3-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 career starts against the Braves. He’s been particularly dominant against slugger Dan Uggla, who is 0-for-16 lifetime against Rodriguez.
WALK-OFFS:
1. The Braves have won six of the last eight meetings in Houston and seven of 10 overall.
2. Jones is batting .444 with two homers, four doubles and five RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak against the Astros.
3. Astros slugger Carlos Lee is 9 for 18 with six RBIs in his last five games against Atlanta.