Perez On Mound
The New York Mets’ success at Turner Field last season appears to have been short-lived.
The Mets will look to turn their fortunes around at Atlanta‘s home park when they continue a three-game series with the Braves on Wednesday.
New York (28-16) went 6-3 last season at Turner Field after entering 2006 with a 20-51 all-time mark at the ballpark, which opened in 1997.
Oddsmakers have made New York -110 money line favorites (MLB Odds) for todays game, the over/under has been set at 9.5 total runs (Matchup). Our public betting information shows that 71% of bets for this game have been placed on New York -110 (View MLB Bet Percentages).
However, the Mets have dropped their last three games in Atlanta, including an 8-1 defeat in Monday’s series opener.
Since winning 11-1 on April 6 in their first game there, the Mets have been outscored there 16-6 during three defeats in Atlanta. New York, which owns the NL’s best record, has lost only three other road games this season.
"It may have something to do with the team that plays here," Mets third baseman David Wright told the team’s official Web site.
The Braves (27-18) also took two of three at Shea Stadium from April 20-22 and lead the season series 5-2. Last season, the Braves dropped 11 of 18 meetings, losing the season series for the first time since 1997.
Kyle Davies allowed just one run in eight innings and connected for a three-run homer in the sixth inning for the Braves, who also got a home from Scott Thorman. The win pulled Atlanta within 1 1/2 games of New York.
Shawn Green scored on a forceout to plate the lone run for New York.
Chuck James (4-3, 4.15 ERA) will try to give the Braves another solid start after allowing three runs in 5 1-3 innings without receiving a decision in the Braves’ 4-3 loss in Washington on Thursday. James was coming off his best start of the season, a 9-2 win in Pittsburgh on May 12 in which he threw a no-hitter for 6 1-3 innings before finishing with just one hit allowed in seven shutout innings.
"Chucky has been throwing well," Braves manager Bobby Cox told the team’s official Web site. "His changeup has really been effective the past couple of games."
James is 1-2 with a 7.02 ERA in five career appearances – including three starts – against the Mets. He lasted just one inning and gave up seven runs in his only home start against them, a 10-6 loss last July 30.
The Mets will counter with Oliver Perez (5-3, 2.90), who won his second straight start on Friday, allowing two runs in 7 2-3 innings of a 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees.
Perez is 4-3 with a 3.25 ERA in eight career starts against the Braves and has won both outings against them this season, allowing three runs in 13 2-3 innings.
Perez and James also squared off on April 21. Perez gave up two runs in 6 2-3 innings in the 7-2 victory in New York, while James allowed six runs in 5 1-3 innings and was charged with the loss.
"Strikes, nothing but strikes," Cox said of Perez after that game. "He’s pitched well against our ballclub. You throw that many strikes as hard as he was throwing and with that movement, you’re going to win."
by: Dave Michaels – thespread.com – Email Us
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