The weather forecasted for tonight's Atlanta Pittsburgh MLB Game at PNC Park has colder temperatures, possible showers and gusty winds but with the starting pitching matchups might cool off the hitting as well. Last night both teams combined for six HR's however Hudson and Rodriguez have the numbers to reduce that offensive output. Hudson is 2-0 2.50 ERA this season and has the fourth lowest HR per Nine Inning Rate in MLB at .63 since 2007. Hudson is 4-2 2.01 ERA last six outings vs. Pittsburgh and has only allowed one HR in 40 Innings Pitched in this matchup. With a win tonight, Hudson will have his milestone 200 career victories only the 110th player in MLB History to reach that plateau. Rodriguez is 1-0 1.00 ERA this season and although this his first time facing Atlanta as a Pirate Rodriquez was 2-2 1.80 ERA vs. Atlanta with his time in Houston. Rodriguez has only given up four HR's in 65 Innings Pitched a time frame that includes 11 games. Rodriguez has suffered from a hamstring injury recently and Pittsburgh hopes he is good to go tonight against a Braves lineup that belted 29 HR's in first 15 games. The Upton Brothers are a combined 3 for 15 vs. Rodriguez but both brothers have HR's while Garrett Jones is 5 for 11 vs. Hudson. Atlanta does have a perfect 7-0 road record but will have to tackle the weather and a salty Rodriguez to extend. Atlanta's Simmons and Pittsburgh's McCutchen with their speed on the baseline might provide the key play at PNC Park tonight in the cold conditions. Source: ESPN MLB Preview
Atlanta is 5-1 vs Left Handed Starters this year while Pittsburgh is 7-4 vs Right Handed Starters but both pitchers have below 1.30 WHIP's in this matchup so which side will cave first or will there be any break downs at all? Hoping weather as least rain wise will be minimum to get game in even with delays. Should be a classic battle of two veterans. Atanta's Bullpen brings a 0.48 Road ERA and a 1.24 Overall ERA into tonight's game.
I do like the fact J. Upton has homered off Rodriquez and Upton's MLB Best HR Talley for the year has to be a concern for Rodriquez. I have to give the edge in this mental and physical matchup to Upton. Hudson also is not the easiest of outs as far as pitchers go. Hudson has had several good at bats this season and Atlanta has been doing a good job clearing the pitcher for the heart of the order. Hudson might keep an inning alive tonight with some simple fundamental hitting. Alvarez hit a monster HR last night for Pittsburgh so Hudson must focus on him as well as McCutchen. Hudson does keep the ball down in the strikezone with his sinker so Atlanta might get ground ball outs vs Pittsburgh's big bats.
They showed a live shot of PNC Park on MLB Network and the winds are howling. Tough to make a call with these conditions but todays focus will be Atlanta -115 and Hudson to get 200 career wins backed up by a extremely solid bullpen. Also McCutchen Hits Runs & RBI's Over 2 +100 for a Prop on the Pittsburgh side with McCutchen's ability to get onto base and into scoring position.
Seen enough for the night with this game. Braves never in it after Hudson got rocked for three runs in the second. The Braves bats were cold to non existant and just a total letdown all the way around. Thought Hudson would have a better showing especailly going for 200 career wins but Pittsburgh really knew how to spoil the party. Hats off to Rodriguez and Pirates for a well played MLB game. 6-0 Pirates in the eight and all but over. Stay Safe Rx Land.
