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Both the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves began their second half of the season with a series sweep, but now turn to face one another in a crucial NL matchup at Turner Field down in Hotlanta.
Atlanta made easy pickin's of the New York Mets, while the Giants handled the Houtson Astros back at AT&T Park. The Braves have now won seven in a row since before the All-Star break, while San Francisco begins a tough road stretch this Monday as they head right to Philadelphia for another three-gamer with the Phillies.
The Giants are currently find themselves 1.5 games ahead of the Dodgers in the NL West, while Atlanta is three games back of the Nationals in the NL East. San Francisco has not fared too well against this division, owning just a 7-10 record against the East this year. This will be their first meeting with the Braves this season.
Jair Jurrjens (3-2, 4.97) takes on Barry Zito (7-6, 4.01) in game one. Jurrjens has given up three runs in each of his last two starts, both of them wins, looking much better since returing from his minor league 'demotion' if you will. As for Zito, he earned a hard-fought W in his last start after five innings of four run ball against the Pirates. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
Mike Minor (5-6, 5.97) squares off against Ryan Vogelsong (7-4, 2.36) on Tuesday. The youngster Minor has earned himself a win in his last two outings, while Vogelsong had some bad luck in his last start, taking the loss after seven innigns of three-run ball. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
Have breakfast with the Giants on Thursday as Tim Hudson (7-4, 3.80) and Madison Bumgarner (11-5, 3.15) take the mound. Hudson took a no decision against the Mets with just four innings pitched his last time out, while Bumgarner was brilliant against the Astros after allowing just two hits in seven innings of work. First pitch is set for 9:10 a.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
For more on the Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles.
