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Atlanta Braves (19-16) vs Philadelphia Phillies (22-10)
Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN
Pitching Probables: Jair Jurjjens vs. Cole Hamels
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The first two games of this series were all about great pitching as each team took turns shutting out the other. Today should be a pitchers duel as well as a couple of hot arms battle on the hill in the rubber match. Atlanta got shutout yesterday, getting nothing done against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick and 4 relievers. The heart of their order was easily kept in check with Jason Heyward, Chipper Jones, Brian McCann and Dan Uggla going a combined 2 for 16. Against a tough lefty today they will need the Uggla and Jones to contribute or else another shutout might be in order. Atlanta has been winning with pitching (#2 ERA in the majors) but they need some semblance of offense to win.
The Phillies will be looking for another gem of a performance from Cole Hamels this evening as they try and win their weekend set against the Braves. Hamels has won his last three starts including a complete game his last time out. They are looking for another one of those command performances as the bullpen was used extensively in the win last night. In the series between Atlanta and Philly in April Hamels shutout the Braves for 7 innings giving up just 4 hits and striking out 8. I expect another similar performance as he wraps up the series for Philadelphia. Ryan Howard went yard last night and he can be streaky in a good way with the long ball.
Prediction: Phillies win deciding game of series in a low scoring contest. Howard Long ball is the difference maker.
Score Prediction: Philadelphia – 4, Atlanta – 1
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