Two of the hottest teams in the National League meet Friday night when the San Francisco Giants - winners of eight of their past 11 contests - visit Atlanta to begin a three-game series with the NL East-leading Braves. The Giants’ recent spurt has pushed them above .500 at 16-15, while the Braves have won five in a row in finishing a three-city road trip at 7-3.
Nick Hundley gave the Giants a big boost in Wednesday’s 9-4 victory over San Diego, matching a career high with four hits, and Brandon Crawford snapped a 5-for-47 skid with two hits. San Francisco may be without right fielder Andrew McCutchen, who left Wednesday’s game after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow. The Braves absolutely dominated the Mets in a three-game road sweep, outscoring New York 21-2, and lead the NL with 172 runs scored along with a plus-57 run differential. Nick Markakis fell a triple shy of the cycle, driving in three runs and scoring three times in Thursday’s 11-0 rout. Markakis (.336) and teammate Freddie Freeman (.322) are among the NL leaders in batting average.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (2-2, 3.90 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (2-1, 2.53)
Stratton had allowed more than two earned runs just once in his first five starts before the opener of Saturday’s doubleheader against Los Angeles, in which he gave up six runs on six hits with four walks in just 1 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old pitched well in going 2-0 in his three previous outings, giving up just three runs on 10 hits with 17 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings. Stratton made two relief appearances against Atlanta in 2016, not allowing a run in two innings.
Foltynewicz has yet to give up more than two earned runs in any of his six starts this season, and held Philadelphia to one on three hits with six strikeouts over six innings in a victory Saturday. The 26-year-old only walked two hitters last time out after issuing eight in his previous 10 2/3 innings over two starts. Foltynewicz, who is holding opponents to a .209 average this season, is 2-2 in five career starts against the Giants with a 4.45 ERA.
WALK-OFFS1. San Francisco RHP Johnny Cueto reportedly will seek a second opinion on his sore right elbow.
2. Atlanta rookie LF Ronald Acuna Jr. collected his fifth multi-hit game in his eighth career contest Thursday, highlighted by a 451-foot homer.
3. Giants RHP Mark Melancon, on the disabled list with a right elbow flexor strain, is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend.