Series Preview: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 28: Chris Stratton #34 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the first inning during game one of a doubleheader at AT&T Park on April 28, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Game One: Chris Stratton vs. Mike Foltynewicz

Stratton had been brilliant all season until his most recent start when he gave up 6 runs in 1.1 innings pitched against the Dodgers. Before that he had gone at least 5 innings in every start this year without allowing more than 3 runs in any start.

Foltynewicz has yet to give up more than 2 runs in a game he’s started this year, but he also hasn’t gone more than 6 innings in a start. While the flamethrower has great stuff, he has trouble putting away hitters and often exits early because of a high pitch count.

If the Giants hitters can be patient and battle Foltynewicz at the plate, they can give him another early exit.

Brandon Belt has owned Folty in his career with five hits in 12 at-bats against him with 3 home runs. Brandon Crawford has had even more success with six hits in 12 at-bats with 3 home runs, and we all know he needs to get going.

Nick Hundley also has five hits against Folty, so it will be interesting to see if he gets the start over Buster Posey who is 2-for-6 against the Braves righty.

The Braves roster has two at-bats against Stratton and they are 0-for-2 with 2 strikeouts. Hopefully their lack of experience against Startton will catch them off guard and he can silence the hot bats in Atlanta.

Schedule