Series Preview: Pirates at Braves

The schedule is doing that thing in which the Pirates (or any team) don’t see another team all year, then play that team twice in a couple weeks.

The Pirates (65-69) are doing that thing in which they lose a bunch of games.

The Braves (74-59) have gone 3-4 since sweeping the Pirates in Pittsburgh. They split a pair of games with the Rays at home this week, then lost a rescheduled game to the Cubs on Thursday. Atlanta leads the Phillies by three games for the lead in the National League East.

This week the Braves acquired Lucas Duda from the Royals to help their bench.

Season Series: 3-0 Braves

At Pittsburgh

August 20: Braves 1, Pirates 0

August 21: Braves 6, Pirates 1

August 22: Braves 2, Pirates 1

Schedule

Friday, 7:35 p.m. — Jameson Taillon (10-9, 3.49 ERA) vs. Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.05); TV AT&T SportsNet

Saturday, 7:10 p.m. — Chris Archer (4-7, 4.72) vs. Kevin Gausman (9-9, 3.87); TV: AT&T SportsNet

Sunday, 5:05 p.m. — Ivan Nova (7-9, 4.35) vs. Julio Teheran (9-7, 4.18); TV: AT&T SportsNet

A Small Number of Links

• Sean Newcomb could be effective in a relief role come October.
• The Braves may have already improved their ex-Orioles (sub).
• Ronald Acuna is, and has, fun.