Veteran Tim Hudson Has The Numbers But Can Braves Get The Win

Atlanta starting pitcher Tim Hudson 4-2 4.70 ERA has won his last five starts vs. Arizona with a 0.47 ERA going at least seven Innings Pitched and is 7-0 1.33 ERA in nine career outings vs. the D Backs allowing only two runs in 38 innings. Hudson however was roughed up last time out allowing six runs in four Innings Pitched but will face a Arizona lineup today who have scored three runs or fewer in four straight games. Atlanta also reverted back to light hitting last night after peppering hits in the series opener. The Braves were shut out for the sixth time (tied with Miami for most in MLB) and like Arizona have scored three runs or fewer in four of five last games. Kennedy is 1-3 4.83 ERA and has not won since Opening Day with a 5.70 ERA in that time frame. Kennedy however is 1-0 2.66 ERA and gone at least seven innings in three career starts vs. Atlanta. Gregorius has hit safely in 14 of 17 with a .354 average with Goldschmidt with 10+ RBI's in last eight games are one of the reasons Arizona is the only team in MLB yet to be shut out this season. Atlanta has won 9 of 12 in this matchup with a 65-25 runs advantage but will have to put bat on ball this afternoon moving runners over and capitalizing on scoring opportunities if they hope to add to that trend. Hudson has the numbers vs. Arizona but will have to shake of his last outing and bear down with a new focus today in the desert heat for a 3:40 EST start time. Source: ESPN MLB Preview

Hudson did have a rough outing his last start on the road but Hudson's numbers in this matchup are outstanding. Today the focus will Atlanta -105 looking for Hudson to be sharp and Atlanta to have a better hitting performance this afternoon. J. Upton had a huge game in the series opener and may bring some of that power back into today's game.

Hudson gives up one run in the first inning and Braves have to play come from behind already.

Kennedy with back to back walks forces in a Atlanta run with a 1-1 game after three complete innings.

A tit for tat game until the top of the fifth with Freeman a big two out double that drives in two Atlanta runs. Kennedy really running up his pitch count. Hudson gives it back and then some with a 5-3 Arizona lead after five complete innings.

Hudson blows.

Bad day for Hudson unfortunately giving up four runs in the fifth. Hudson still a 200 game winner but just made too many mistakes at critical times today. 5-3 Arizona final. Atlanta completes the ten day road trip losing back to back series and 4-6 on the road overall in that time frame and 2 of 7 since last Thursday.