The Atlanta Braves (72-60) pulled out another nail-biting win in extra innings to take game two and secure a series win . Tonight they look to sweep the Minnesota Twins (72-60) for the second straight season.
Chris Sale (14-3, 2.62) takes the ball for Atlanta, hoping to clean up some issues from his last start. The left-hander earned a no-decision last Friday night against the Washington Nationals. He allowed 10 baserunners over seven innings but just surrendered two earned runs. His four strikeouts were also a season-low. Despite not having his best stuff, Sale kept the Braves in the game, leading to a walk-off win in extra innings. From his days in the American League, the veteran pitcher has plenty of experience facing the Twins. He is 11-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 30 career appearances against Minnesota.
Through the first two games of the series, Atlanta's bullpen has worked a combined 9.1 innings. Pierce Johnson and Dylan Lee have worked consecutive days. Joe Jiménez and Raisel Iglesias also worked multiple innings on Tuesday. With the bullpen taxed, Brian Snitker and the Braves are hoping Chris Sale can pitch deep into the game and continue his dominant season on the mound.
The Twins will send rookie David Festa (2-3, 5.20) to the rubber for game three. Festa made his MLB Debut on June 27 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After giving up 12 earned runs in his first two starts, the right-hander has settled in nicely, pitching to a 3.07 ERA over his last 26.1 innings pitched. The rookie struggled in his last outing, surrendering three earned runs in just 3.2 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Festa will be making his first career start against the Atlanta Braves. He will have his work cut out for him as Atlanta's offense has crushed Minnesota pitching for 18 runs in the first two games of the series. The Braves have also averaged 10.25 runs per game over their last five contests at Target Field.
Here's how Atlanta lines up for game three:
- 2B Whit Merrifield
- RF Jorge Soler
- DH Marcell Ozuna
- 1B Matt Olson
- LF Ramón Laureano
- CF Michael Harris II
- SS Orlando Arcia
- C Sean Murphy
- 3B Luke Williams
The only current Brave to face the Twins starter is Gio Urshela, who has gone 1-2 with a single.
Here is the Twins lineup for Wednesday's game:
- LF Manuel Margot
- DH Ryan Jeffers
- 3B Jose Miranda
- 1B Carlos Santana
- SS Willi Castro
- C Christian Vázquez
- 2B Kyle Farmer
- RF Matt Wallner
- CF Austin Martin
The only Twins starter to face Sale more than 10 times is Carlos Santana. The designated hitter has had great success against Sale, hitting .311 with two homers and 12 RBI over 51 plate appearances.
Broadcast Information for the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, August 28.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. EST. The Braves broadcast can be viewed on Bally Sports Southeast. You can also listen to the game by tuning in to the Atlanta Braves Radio Network on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan and affiliates across Braves Country.
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