D’Backs Vs. Braves Series Preview

Jun. 23, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randall Delgado throws in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves just split a two-game series with the Kansas City Royals on the road, and they will return home to start a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks that begins on Friday.

Arizona was able to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals by winning another thrilling game in extra innings on Thursday. They seem to play their best in these type of games, where one mistake could be the difference between victory or defeat.

This will be the second meeting between Arizona and Atlanta this season. They are 2-1 against them this season.

Game 1 (Friday): Randall Delgado (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Julio Teheran (5-4, 3.32 ERA)

Delgado is facing his former team for the first time after being dealt to Arizona in the Justin Upton trade last winter. This will be his third start since being called up from Triple-A Reno. He did post a 5.91 ERA in 13 starts for Reno, pitching in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Tehran pitched out of jams in his last outing, allowing just two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings in Milwaukee despite giving up eight hits.  It was his seventh quality start in his last eight tries, but the Braves couldn’t back him with run support.

Game 2 (Saturday): Ian Kennedy (3-4, 5.21 ERA) vs. Tim Hudson (4-7, 4.10 ERA)

Kennedy is making his first start since June 16. He just completed a 10-game suspension for his part in a melee with the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 11. He allowed one run over six innings his last time out against the San Diego Padres.

Hudson has compiled a 1.82 ERA through his first five starts this month, but he is still seeking his first win since May 5. The only loss in 10 career starts against Arizona occurred on May 15, when he was doomed by a four-run fifth.

Game 3 (Sunday): Trevor Cahill (3-9, 4.29 ERA) vs. Paul Maholm (8-6, 3.75 ERA)

The month of June for Cahill is like a bad dream that he can’t escape. He is 0-4, with a 9.30 ERA in five starts. Last time out against the Nats, he allowed six runs on eight hits and lasted just five innings.

Since allowing four home runs through his first 10 starts, Maholm has given up one homer in each of his past six outings. The veteran southpaw has compiled a 1.80 ERA in six home starts.