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Knowing they likely would lose Heyward to free agency after
this season, the Braves dealt the outfielder to the Cardinals in
a blockbuster deal last November that netted Atlanta a young
starter in Shelby Miller. Heyward has enjoyed a strong first
campaign in St. Louis as the 26-year-old is hitting .292 with 13
homers, 33 doubles and 23 stolen bases for the Cardinals – who
have won eight of their past 11 and locked up their third
consecutive division title Wednesday at Pittsburgh. The Braves
lost 3-0 Thursday to the Nationals, snapping their five-game
home winning streak. Atlanta outfielder Michael Bourn is hitting
.364 during his 10-game hitting streak.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (10-5, 2.36 ERA) vs.
Braves RH Julio Teheran (10-8, 4.16)
The oft-injured Garcia has missed time this season with shoulder
and groin issues, but with Carlos Martinez out for the
postseason, the 29-year-old is critical to St. Louis’ postseason
hopes. He has posted a 2.78 ERA while going 7-2 in 12 starts
since returning from the groin injury in late July, allowing
three runs or fewer nine times. Garcia beat the Brewers on
Saturday, allowing one run on seven hits in eight innings with
no walks and eight strikeouts.
Teheran’s more aggressive approach in the second half has paid
off as the 24-year-old posted a 3.66 ERA in his past 14 starts
after logging a 4.56 mark before the All-Star break. He was
outstanding in five September outings, allowing only three
homers in 33 innings while finishing with a 1.91 ERA. Teheran, a
double-digit winner for the third consecutive season, gave up
two runs on six hits in six innings in a loss Saturday at Miami,
only his second loss in his past six decisions.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta promoted assistant general manager John Coppolella to
general manager Thursday, signing the 37-year-old to a four-year
contract.
2. St. Louis P Adam Wainwright, who pitched in relief Wednesday
after missing five months with an Achilles injury, is expected
to work out of the bullpen Friday and Sunday.
3. Braves C Christian Bethancourt, who started Thursday after
missing eight games with a left thumb injury, reinjured the
thumb and left the game after five innings.
PREDICTION: Braves 4, Cardinals 2
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