posted May 21, 2008
) Photo by Tim Evearitt Jair Jurrjens |
After sweeping Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets, the Braves improved their National League-best home record to 18-5. They have won 11 of their past 12 games at Turner Field.
After Tuesday's doubleheader, they led the NL with a .312 batting average and a 2.73 ERA.
One of the primary reasons they aren't currently running away with the NL East is because they have dropped 16 of 22 games on the road.
While on the road this season, the Braves have posted a 4.30 ERA, which ranks sixth in the NL. At the same time, they've produced a .251 batting average. But the most telling difference between playing at home and away has been the offensive success they've had in clutch situations.
It's easy to pin all of the Braves' road woes on the fact that they've hit just .206 (37-for-180) with runners in scoring position outside of Atlanta. They've hit .297 (72-for-242) with runners in scoring position during their games at Turner Field.
While claiming Tuesday's doubleheader, the Braves received timely hitting and solid starting pitching from Tom Glavine and Jorge Campillo.
Jurrjens will be looking to follow their lead and win for the fourth time in five decisions.
Jurrjens, who has posted a 2.36 ERA in his past seven starts has been one of the most impressive rookie pitchers the Braves have had over the past decade. His advanced maturity was on display when he allowed three earned runs in six innings and beat the Mets on April 25.
Last start
In his last start, Jurrjens was
pitching on short rest for the first time in his young career. He allowed two runs (none earned) on eight hits in a 3-2 win on Friday over the A's.
In five innings, the 22-year-old surrendered three walks and struck out three, but he received a no-decision.
Oakland's eight hits were the most allowed by Jurrjens since his April 8 start against the Rockies (nine hits).
Jurrjens has not given up more than four runs in any of his nine outings this season.
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Adapted from MLB.com
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