M And M's On The Mound Tonight In Pittsburgh

Hershey Pennsylvania with the famous chocolate may be over a 215 mile drive from Pittsburgh but tonight at PNC we will see a pair of M and M's on the mound. Maholm is 3-0 0.00 ERA for Atlanta this season and is only the sixth starting pitcher since 1920 to begin the season with three straight scoreless games. Maholm begin his MLB career in Pittsburgh where he spent seven years with the Pirates posting a 53-73 overall record and 4.35 ERA. Maholm was traded to Atlanta in late July of 2012 and has a 3.54 ERA in 11 since that date. Maholm was 1-1 2.25 ERA at PNC Park last season but Maholm is currently pitching the best baseball of his career. McDonald is 1-2 5.27 for Pittsburgh this season but digging a little deeper will reveal McDonald is 4-7 7.11 ERA in his last 15 starts since the All Star Break last season. McDonald does however have excellent career numbers vs Atlanta going 3-0 1.73 in four starts with 28 K's in 26 Innings Pitched.The weather and the Atlanta bats were cold last night with Atlanta never getting a run across home plate. Atlanta has an excellent opportunity to finally have success vs McDonald tonight but will have to start back with basic fundamental hitting. Pittsburgh had a very solid night at the plate but will be challenged tonight if Maholm is as sharp as expected. The Pirates are now back to 8-8 overall 7-3 Last 10 while Atlanta is 13-3 overall 8-2 Last 10 and now a 7-1 road record. Alvarez has had big hits in this series for Pittsburgh and will be a focus player tonight along with Atlanta's J. Uptonwho may add to his HR Talley tonight. Maholm and McDonald the starting M and M's on the mound for your Saturday Night Sweet Tooth. Source: ESPN MLB Preview

Hudson uncommonly really struggled with location last night leaving balls above the belt line and this was the prime reason for Pittsburgh's big second inning setting the tone for the remainder of the game. Maholm will use several pitches and speeds tonight but will still have to focus on location also. Maholm can miss in or out but can't miss up or down vs. Alvarez and McCutchen. Braves hitting will have to polish up the plate discipline and avoid the K's off McDonald.

Maholm has just been so dependable this year and with the extra motivation facing his former team tonight Maholm should be primed to have a lock down outing. Today the focus will be Atlanta -128 looking for Maholm to continue with another strong performance and Braves offense to respond after last night's drought. Upton Gattis Heyward Uggla should have a better night at the plate tonight if patient vs. McDonald. With Maholm so consistent trying a Prop S. Marte No Hits +190. Gametime tonight is 7:05 PM EST and broadcasted on Channel 649 DTV.

Maholm has got a two hit shut out going through five complete innings. McDonald has a great strike out pitch but has walked some that lead to base loaded walk in run. BJ Upton got robbed of a HR by a great catch over the fence so still 1-0 Braves after five. Good ball game but fans in attendance really bundled up on a cold night in Steel Town.

Well Maholm is back to being human as a McCutchen double drives in the first run off Maholm this year. Maholm then gave up a two run HR and Atlanta bullpen is going to be on the scene shortly. Damn. Gonna need some J. Upton magic to get it tied back up.

Once Maholm's Mojo was broken the damage was already done. Atlanta had chances for a big inning early but could not cash in. Braves could not climb back into the game in the middle and late innings and Pirates get a 3-1 final. Pittsburgh has took Atlanta's best starting pitching one two punch and came out on top both nights. McDonald had nine K's on the night and wins the battle of the M and M's. Was looking for a sweet threat tonight but came out a sour puss. Nice job by Pittsburgh who is playing gritty baseball right now. Will be a challenge for Atlanta to get a series split tomorrow afternoon.