Atlanta @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 23, 2012 ) Atlanta 4, Boston 8

Through 40 games of his major-league career, Boston third baseman Will Middlebrooks is setting high expectations. Middlebrooks put together his third three-hit game of the season, and second in the past three days, on Saturday to help the Red Sox beat the Atlanta Braves 8-4. While veteran third baseman Kevin Youkilis sits, Middlebrooks is hitting .362 in June and has raised his average to .331. The Braves trail Washington by four games in the NL East standings entering Sunday’s series finale.

The Braves need a strong pitching performance from Mike Minor after Randall Delgado recorded just four outs Saturday. Four Atlanta relievers combined to pitch 6 2/3 innings Saturday. Boston’s starter also will draw plenty of attention. Aaron Cook takes the hill in place of scheduled starter Clay Buchholz, who was scratched from the start due to illness.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS (nationwide), Fox Sports South (Atlanta), NESN (Boston).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Atlanta LH Mike Minor (3-5, 6.04 ERA) vs. Boston RH Aaron Cook (0-1, 20.25 ERA).

Minor’s struggles continued Monday against the Yankees, the left-hander allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings to lose for the third time in his past six starts. Minor did strike out seven hitters. Six days earlier Minor made his best start in two months, pitching into the eighth inning against New York.

The 33-year-old Cook had a rotten debut on May 6, giving up eight hits and six earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. Cook also was spiked covering home plate in the game, receiving 11 stitches in his left knee and landing on the disabled list. He will be activated before Sunday’s game.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are 17-1 when Middlebrooks drives in a run. He has nine homers and 33 RBIs.

2. Atlanta center fielder Michael Bourn is hitting .369 in his past 15 games with eight RBIs and five stolen bases.

3. Minor is tied for third in the NL in homers allowed (15).