Happy Sunday Afternoon OMT. Atlanta pitching staff had struck out 40 batters in four games just prior to entering this series. Hopefully Hudson can carry over of his effectiveness from his last outing where he posted 8 K's and add to the strikeout talley. McCann has a .383 lifetime average at Petco Park along with 4 HR's and 21 RBI's and Jones and Heyward back in the lineup coming back from injuries have contributed. Even though San Diego took game one Friday Night, the Padres coming into the series were still ranked 16th in the NL for run prdouction while the Braves rank 2nd in the NL in defense. Hudson was keeping the ball down in the strikezone working the corners very well last time out. I do not see veteran catcher McCann accepting anything but an attempted repeat performance from Hudson. Jordan Shaffer can get into scoring position just about every time he gets aboard. Other than Hudson today, he will be my key player. He has been running very well in the month of June, has been consistent with the glove and a solid game from him today will greatly improve Atlanta's chance to peg back to back wins after Friday's loss in Game 1. Atlanta bullpen has the one two punch of Kimbrel and Venters to rely on also to protect a lead. Atlanta aloso knows a win today keeps them only four back from Philadelphia in the division. Hudson's expected control, Braves defense, Shaffer in scoring position, Atlanta bullpen, combined should enable Atlanta to make you smile OMT by approximately 7:00 EST.
