So far, the Atlanta Braves pitching gambles have paid off. After losing both Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen to early season injuries, the Braves made some rotations that could have failed. However, Aaron Harang has had two positive starts and Ervin Santana showed he was worth the one-year contract.
Santana debuted against the New York Mets on Wednesday and pitched eight scoreless innings while Atlanta got the 4-3 win. The Braves have not had a pitcher allow more than two runs yet this season. The team's starters are 4-3 with a 1.37 ERA and .172 opponents' batting average. That is a postive considering what it could have been.
Atlanta's production at the plate has not mirrored the pitching. Pitchers are getting 2.44 run-support. However, the top of the order got working against the Mets on Wednesday. Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons all earned their contract extensions, going 7 for 12 on the night.
Atlanta will send David Hale to the mound for a second time. The right-hander is 1-0 with an 0.82 ERA. HE got the win against the Washington Nationals after tossing five scoreless innings. He remained efficient with a 73 pitch count, proving to be a solid addition for the Braves.
The Mets will send Jenrry Mejia to the mound. In his first start he tossed 101 pitches in six innings while striking out eight. In his last start against Atlanta, Mejia allowed four runs over five innings while getting the 6-2 loss. The Mets are struggling with a .190 batting average and a .261 on-base percentage. The team is desperate to get the bats moving.
