Consistency has never been something the Atlanta Braves have been known for. Once again the club has hit a slump as they risk getting swept at home by the Philadelphia Phillies. In the first game, the Braves were on the wrong end of a three-pitcher no-hitter. On Tuesday they were shut out 4-0. Currently still sitting a game and half back in the National League wild card race, the Braves are in need of a win badly.
Getting a win could be difficult with the status of Justin Upton up in the air. The outfielder left Tuesday's game with a bruised left tricep. He is currently listed as day-to-day following being hit by a pitch. He is currently batting .307 with seven home runs while sitting at the top baseball with 27 RBIs since the start of August. His success has resulted in wins for the Braves. They have been outscored 15-1 in the past four games and have dropped six of their last eight games to the Phillies. That includes a sweep back in June. Meanwhile Philadelphia is averaging 5.0 runs while winning their past nine of 12 games.
The Braves will send Ervin Santana to the mound in hopes of getting a win. The pitcher is 13-7 with a 3.53 ERA on the year while going 6-1 with a 2.62 ERA over his past nine starts. He gave up one run in six innings to the Miami Marlins in his last start. However, he has gotten a combined two runs of support over his last two outings. He has beaten the Phillies in his last two starts with a 3.55 ERA.
The Phillies will counter with rookie David Buchanan. He is 0-2 with a 3.04 ERA in his last four startsHe gave up one run in six innings in a loss to the New York Mets. He has pitched well on the road this season, putting up a 2.16 ERA in five starts. In his one game against the Braves back in June, he gave up three runs and five hits over five innings.
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