Pirates Set To Open Series With Atlanta

May 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates had an ugly first two games of their series with the Reds, and then one that started ugly, but ended with a walkoff for the Pirates win. The Pirates now head down to Atlanta for a three game set with the Braves.

The Braves have played very streaky this year, but the good streaks have outweighed the bad so far. The Braves come into the series with a record of 34-22, while the Pirates come in 35-22.

In game one, the pitching matchup will be between A.J. Burnett and Kris Medlen. Burnett has been amazing this season, and that’s been well documented so far. Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t gotten a bit of run support this year, he hasn’t had a win in a month, despite turning in quality starts in every one of his outings since his last win (May 3rd).

Burnett hasn’t faced the braves this season, but over his career he’s 5-11 against them, with an ERA of 3.83. He has averaged 8.1 K/9 against the Braves over his career.

Medlen hasn’t taken a win since April 9th, and holds an ERA of 3.48 this year. Against the Pirates in his career, Medlen is 2-1 with an ERA of 3.04, and a WHIP of 1.310.

The Pirates took three of four from the Braves in the first series that the teams played this year, after the Braves came into the series an MLB best 12-2 to start the year.

The Braves and Pirates have each gone 6-4 over their last ten games.

The Pirates made a series of transactions today, sending Jeanmar Gomez to the fifteen day DL, called Jared Hughes and Ryan Reid up to meet the team in Atlanta, called Phil Irwin up to the big league club and placed him on the sixty day DL, and optioned Alex Presley back to AAA Indianapolis.

The Pirates lineup for Tonight’s 7:05 PM start will look like this: