Cubs now 2-2 Overall 2-2 Away and are looking to try to even up the series after a loss last night to take some momentum into Sunday's game with the anticipated matchup with Samardzija vs. Hudson. Atlanta now 3-1 Overall 3-1 Home and will send Teheran to the mound tonight in his 2013 MLB debut. Teheran was once considered as one of the top prospects in all of baseball but had only two apperances in 2012 and a disappointing Triple A season. Teheran may have ironed out some things in Spring Training where in his final game he struck out 10 in six hitless innings capping off an exhibition season where he gave up only seven hits in 26 Innings Pitched with 35 K's. Teheran had a 1.04 ERA in six Spring Outings and has a 4.91 ERA in four career Big League Starts. Villanueva makes his first start for Chicago coming over to the Cubs from Toronto off a 7-7 Overall Record. BJ Upton is 0-14 and 9 K's and desperately needs to get something going tonight for Atlanta. Rizzo is 0-11 with 4 K's in his last at bats and also looks to break out of a slump for Chicago. Cubs Top Four Spots were 1-14 on Friday slumping heavily on the top half of the order. Either Upton or Rizzo breaking through tonight will be a much added boost for chances of a win for their respective clubs. Source: ESPN MLB Preview.
Chicago is struggling to plate runs and Teheran did have an impressive Spring Training. The Braves starter should get some K's tonight but needs to maintain his composure with the pre game jitters. Braves with the exception of facing Cliff Lee have been capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Today the focus will trying to peg the Braves - 1 1/2 +130 with a solid Atlanta Bullpen in late innings and Braves Team Total Over 4 +100 looking for J.Upton to continue to hit well, BJ Upton to finally contribute and Jason Heyward maybe a well place HR.
