(35-32) at 
(39-26)
Dimensions:
Friday, June 15------------------- 7:05pm
Buddy Carlyle, RHP (1-1, 4.91) vs C.C. Sabathia, LHP (9-1, 3.09)
Scouting Report:
Braves: Carlyle performed admirably in his last start, which followed the best of his career. Though he didn't earn the win, Carlyle allowed four runs through 6 1/3 innings against the Cubs. During his previous start, Carlyle allowed one hit over seven innings to the Marlins for his first Major League win since September 1999. After his outing against Florida, Carlyle was sent back to Triple-A Richmond, where he spent much of the first two months of the season. When Lance Cormier had a recurrence of his right triceps injury, however, Carlyle was recalled to take his spot in the rotation.
Indians: Sabathia was brilliant against the Reds on Sunday, but he was on his own. He pitched nine shutout innings and came out with nothing more than a no-decision, as he received no run support. He allowed just three hits and one walk in the outing, while striking out six. Sabathia has been in command of his fastball and slider all season, and he comes into this start riding an 18-inning scoreless streak. He hasn't lost in his past six starts, and he's solidifying himself as a bona fide candidate to start the All-Star Game for the American League.
Saturday, June 16-------------------- 3:55pm
John Smoltz, RHP (7-3, 2.83) vs Paul Byrd, RHP (6-2, 4.50)
Scouting Report:
Braves: Smoltz, who has started just once since tweaking his right shoulder during a May 29 start, has decided to wait an additional day and make his return to the mound on Saturday. The 40 year-old right-hander has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his past eight starts. His only career appearance at Jacobs Field resulted in one of the worst postseason performances of his career. During Game 3 of the 1995 World Series, he allowed four earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings.
Indians: Byrd endured his worst outing the season on Monday against the Mariners. The right-hander was battered for seven runs on 11 hits over just four innings. For Byrd, who has been one of the Tribe's most reliable and consistent pitchers this year, the outing was the first time this year he could not make it through at least six innings. It was also just the fourth time in his career that he had given up 11 hits, a result of Byrd perpetually working high in the strike zone. In 12 career outings against the Braves, Byrd is 2-4 with a 4.79 ERA.
Sunday, June 17--------------------- 1:05pm
Kyle Davies, RHP (3-5, 5.70) vs Fausto Carmona, RHP (7-2, 3.17)
Scouting Report:
Braves: Davies retired 10 straight batters before surrendering five runs in the fourth inning against the Twins on Tuesday night. He lasted just 3 2/3 innings, marking the third time in his past six starts that he has not completed at least five innings. It has been a roller coaster season for the 23 year-old right-hander, who has mixed flashes of brilliance with reminders that he is still a young pitcher. He's won twice in his past five starts and in both of those outings, he's lasted at least seven innings and surrendered just one run.
Indians: Carmona threw one of his most brilliant games of the season in his last start...and was rewarded with his first loss in 11 starts. Carmona breezed through six innings against the Marlins, allowing only a pair of infield hits while striking out six. But he ran into trouble in the seventh, loading the bases with no outs and then surrendering a three-run double to Miguel Olivo that was the deciding hit in a 3-0 Cleveland loss. Still, Carmona has allowed three runs or fewer in all but two appearances this season, and the Indians are 8-2 the last 10 times he's taken the mound for them.
