Braves at Cubs
The Atlanta Braves’ hitters may have worn themselves out after putting up 29 runs in a three-game sweep at Colorado. Atlanta led the majors in runs entering its three-game series with the Chicago Cubs, but has scored only four times in gaining a split of the first two contests.
The main focus of the series finale for the Braves will be the performance of Tim Hudson, who will be making only his third start as he works his way back from offseason back surgery. After an encouraging season debut, Hudson was hit hard by the Rockies last week.
Kerry Wood was once the brightest star on the horizon for the Chicago Cubs, but a serious of arm injuries has repeatedly derailed his career. The veteran reliever has already missed three weeks this season with right shoulder fatigue and has done little to inspire confidence since he came off the disabled list.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, SPSO, CSN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (1-0, 6.55 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Paul Maholm (3-2, 5.13 ERA)
Hudson, who has won 33 games the past two seasons, needs 18 victories to reach 200 for his career. He's 2-0 with a 3.94 ERA in five starts against the Cubs, and has a 2.91 ERA in three starts at Wrigley Field. Alfonso Soriano is batting only .171 lifetime against Hudson, but three of his six hits have gone for home runs.
Maholm has been superb in his last three outings, allowing one run in each and a combined 12 hits in 18 1/3 innings. While he is only 1-1 in six starts against the Braves, his ERA is a scintillating 1.58. Martin Prado is 5-for-11 against Maholm, but veteran third baseman Chipper Jones is hitless in six at-bats against him.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Braves CF Michael Bourn extended his hitting streak to 12 games Tuesday.
2. Cubs 1B Bryan LaHair has reached base in 26 consecutive games.
3. Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel took over the National League lead with his 10th save.