San Francisco @ Atlanta preview
Turner Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 18, 2012 ) San Francisco 9, Atlanta 4
With a rare series win at Turner Field already in hand, the San Francisco Giants will try to finish their first three-game sweep in Atlanta since June 1988. San Francisco clinched its second series win in 18 trips to Turner Field with a 9-4 win in 11 innings Wednesday. To finish the sweep, the Giants need left-hander Madison Bumgarner to harness the success he has enjoyed at home (7-1, 1.81 ERA) and bring it with him on the road, where he is 4-4 with a 4.43 ERA.
The Braves had won seven straight before dropping the first two games of the series. They have taxed the bullpen the past two nights and will need a strong outing from veteran right-hander Tim Hudson. Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann are both riding nine-game hitting streaks for the Braves, who have been swept in three-game sets at home twice this season.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area, SportSouth
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (11-5, 3.15 ERA) vs. Braves RH Tim Hudson (7-4, 3.80)
After tossing a one-hitter against Cincinnati to close out June, Bumgarner limped into the All-Star break with one of his worst outings of the season July 4 at Washington. He rebounded in his first start since the break, holding Houston to one run on two hits over seven innings to earn his 11th win Friday night. Bumgarner is 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA in two starts against the Braves.
Hudson followed up one of his stronger outings of the season with his shortest, lasting just four innings Friday against the Mets and allowing four runs on eight hits. Hudson is 6-4 with a 3.34 ERA in 15 starts against the Giants. He has won his last four decisions against San Francisco dating to 2006.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants C Buster Posey went 3-for-4 Wednesday and is 12-for-21 (.571) during his six-game hitting streak.
2. Braves 3B Chipper Jones is tied with George Brett for the most RBIs (1,596) all-time by a player whose primary position was third base.
3. Most of the Giants have struggled against Hudson, but OF Angel Pagan is 11-for-28 (.393) with a homer and five RBIs against the veteran right-hander.