The Atlanta Braves face the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. It's a rare matinee, but people in Chicago will have an excuse to get out of work early. If you can't leave work because you're responsible and can't make it to the park, check out the online live stream provided as the Braves try to inch closer to clinching the N.L. East.
The Braves have struggled as of late. Yes, they are playing the Cubs, who are rebuilding and have played mediocre baseball all year long, but the Braves are not playing their best baseball and they have a losing record when playing on the road. Don't underestimate this Cubs' team that his full of talent that has yet blossomed.
On the mound today for the Braves will be former Cub, Paul Maholm. He's 10-10 with a 4.35 ERA in 2013 in his first full season with the Braves. Maholm has pitched well in his last three starts though he only has a 1-0 record to prove it. Maholm has allowed six earned runs in 17 innings pitched. He's faced the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.
In his last start, Maholm allowed two earned runs in six innings pitched in Philadelphia as the Braves battled their foes and lost late in the game.
On the hill for the Cubs will be their latest addition, Scott Baker. After pitching for the Minnesota Twins for seven years, Baker stayed north and is now starting for the Cubs. The 32-year-old has pitched very well, allowing only one earned run on five hits and one walk while striking out five. This will be the first time Baker faces the Braves in his career.
The Braves will try to decrease their magic number to one and hope the Washington Nationals can lose so they can finally clinch the division. However, they will not be able to celebrated until the evening, if the Nationals to the Miami Marlins.
