Red Sox Visit Atlanta for Return Series with Braves

By Mike in Featured, Red Sox ⋅ June 26, 2009 at 4:50pm ⋅ Post a comment

Josh Beckett looks to keep up his hot June with another start against the Braves.

The Red Sox face the fourth place Braves again this week after taking two of three over the weekend from the former Boston franchise. Josh Beckett will open the series and attempt to shut the Braves out for the second time in a week as he faces Jair Jurrjens, who is the best pitcher in the Braves rotation. Jurrjens got a no decision on Sunday as the Red Sox came from behind to win the game. Jurrjens had a good outing with the exception of the first inning and the seventh when was pulled.

Tim Wakefield, who also took a no decision as Jurrjens’ opponent last Sunday, gets the nod in the middle game against Javier Vazquez. Vazquez seems to be re-surging, having his best season since he was an Expo, and is showing complete control. He has struck out 117 in 99 innings (10.64 K/9) and has only walked 19 (6.16 K/BB) while allowing a very respectable 84 hits. He has been victimized by the home run 10 times and has suffered a bit of hard luck in only winning five of his decisions thus far (5-6).

Brad Penny faces rookie Tommy Hanson (3-0, 3.13, 1.58), who has a lot of potential. He has gotten better with each start: 6 ER in 6 innings (vs Milwaukee), 2 ER in 5.2 innings (at Baltimore), 0 ER in 6 innings (at Cincinnati), and 0 ER in 5.1 innings (vs. Yankees). He allowed all three home runs in his debut against the Brewers and has struck out 16 and walked 15 so far this season. The Red Sox will prove to be one of his toughest tests yet, though the Brewers and Yankees have good offensive clubs. The Red Sox will take two of three again, but will have to do it with one less bat in the lineup as the pitcher will hit in the NL park this time around.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Red Sox, View from the Monster