New York Yankees: Braves Series Preview/Predictions
Game One
Atlanta Braves @ New York Yankees
Touki Toussaint vs. Jordan Montgomery
Tuesday, August 11th, 7:00 pm
In game one the Yankees will throw Jordan Montgomery out on the mound who in his two starts so far this season has allowed 11 hits, six earned runs, and two walks while striking out six. Not great, but also not bad as he went 5.2 innings in one game, and four in the other.
In his first start against the Red Sox, Montgomery was solid allowing only one run on five hits with four strikeouts and a walk. The second game, however, was not as impressive as he gave up six hits, five earned runs, and a walk with two strikeouts against the Phillies.
Now, Montgomery will face the Braves who in 18 games this season have averaged 5.28 runs per game. This is right on par with Montgomery’s ERA as it sits at 5.59 through two games.
As for the Braves, they’ll put Touki Toussaint on the rubber who hasn’t gotten off to the best start this season. Toussaint has appeared in three games with two starts for a total of 13.1 innings while allowing 12 hits and nine earned runs but has an impressive 20 strikeouts with only four walks.
Through two starts and a bullpen appearance, Toussaint has yet to register a decision as he holds a 0-0 record. Toussaint has gone four innings and 6.2 innings in his two starts, and the Braves have gone onto win both games Toussaint started.
However, if he has given up an average of three runs per appearance (1.5 per start) on four hits per appearance (3.5 per start.) All this being said, he’s been serviceable for the Braves thus far, but he hasn’t exactly faced a lineup quite like the Yankees’ yet.
Prediction: Yankees win 4-3
Game one is going to be interesting as two pitchers who have previously spent time in the bullpen, will start. Ultimately I think it will be the Yankees who come out on top after solid performances from both Montgomery and Toussaint.
I see both going four or five innings allowing one to two runs each before the bullpens take over, and that is where the Yankees have a significant advantage, ultimately winning the game with help from the bats.
The Yankees have been in a slump over the past week, and Tuesday night they’ll have an opportunity to get back on track.