The Atlanta Braves' struggles against the Los Angeles Dodgers continue. After losing to the team last year in the playoffs, they were swept in a series on the road and lost the first game at home thanks to resurgence from Kevin Correia. Now the two teams return for the second game of the series as the Braves are desperate for a win in order to keep pace in the National League East race with the Washington Nationals.
Daren Haren hit a rough patch this season, but after win ended a five week drought, the pitcher will look to capitalize off the inconsistent Braves. Starting pitchers for the Dodgers have given up just nine runs against the Braves this season while posting a combined 2.19 ERA. Correia outplayed Julio Teheran as the Dodgers ran to a 6-2 win. Haren hits the mound with his 9-9 record and 4.57 ERA. He got the win in his last start against the Los Angeles Angeles, giving up just one run and three hits through seven innings. He had previously lost five starts with a 10.03 ERA. In his last two starts against the Braves, Haren is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA.
Mike Minor will try and get Atlanta the win but he might not be the best pitcher in this situation. Minor is 4-7 on the season with a 5.42 ERA and is allowing 1.65 homers per nine innings. That is amongst the highest in the league. He will have to go up against the hot bat of Adrian Gonzalez who is hitting .357 since the All-Star break. Against the Braves he is 7 for 18 with three doubles. He got two hits and an RBI on Monday. Minor is struggling right now. The Braves skipped his last start since his last four starts resulted in a 2-2 record and 8.71 ERA. He is not inspiring much confidence right now as the Braves are desperate for some wins.
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