Detwiler has been solid on the road and on the season and although the Pirates bats are starting to heat up I expect him to pitch for a quality start. The Nationals on the other hand are in a lot of trouble they are just awful of late and have a .218 average and 2.93 runs per 9 vs. RHP on the road. They managed 3 runs last night in our total winner, but 2 of the 3 were off an error. There bullpen has really held them in games posting a 2.16 ERA over the last 10 games and I think they will hold them in this game as well, but the Pirates send AJ Burnett to the mound who should shut the Nationals out he's on an extra day of rest compared with Detwiler and has a 2.89 ERA at home this year 3.10 last year in 17 starts. He had an 8 inning 2 ER performance last year vs. the Nationals and I look for him to continue that today. The Pirates play in a pitcher friendly park and that's bad news for the Nationals offense. 17 out of the last 23 home games for the Pirates have gone under the total.


Shaun Marcum makes his first start for the Mets and believe it or not I think he will pitch well against a Braves line up that is struggling to get runs on the board .207 2.61 runs per 9 over their last 10 vs. RHP. Atlanta has 95 AB against Marcum with a .582 OPS and he had 2 gs in Atlanta last year where he only gave up 3 ER in 14 innings. Minor makes the start for the Braves and I think he also will pitch a gem he's got a 3.43 ERA in Atlanta over the last 3 years and he's only walking 1.42 guys per 9. The Mets motto is to be patient and take pitches, but it has hurt them of late as they have a .195 average and 2.64 runs per 9 over their last 5 vs. LHP and they are struggling to put runs on the board. The Braves have the best bullpen in baseball they should get the win here, but it will be a close game throughout. Braves 3, Mets 2.

Where to find Freddy?