After absorbing consecutive defeats with Cy Young Award-winning pitchers taking the mound for the opposing teams, the Red Sox face a seemingly less challenging matchup on Saturday as they take on the Braves. Atlanta's right-handed starter, Grant Holmes, will be making his first career start against the Red Sox in this weekend series. Holmes has had a string of four winless outings, with his last victory coming on April 20 against the Twins.
In his most recent start against the Nationals, Holmes delivered an impressive performance, pitching 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, but he did not factor into the decision. This outing marked his third quality start of the season, showcasing his potential on the mound. On the other side, the struggling Red Sox, who are on a four-game losing streak, will turn to Lucas Giolito as their starting pitcher on Saturday. Giolito was the winning pitcher in Boston's only victory last Sunday, where he held the Royals to just one run on two hits while striking out five batters.
Looking ahead to the matchup, the Braves lineup includes Verdugo in left field and Riley at third base, while the Red Sox will feature Duran in left field and Devers as the designated hitter. With Holmes boasting a 2-3 record and a 4.14 ERA, and Giolito holding a 1-1 record with a 5.51 ERA, the stage is set for an intriguing battle on the mound starting at 7:15 p.m.
A preview of the game reveals that both teams are gearing up for a competitive clash. The Braves, who recently climbed above the .500 mark for the first time this season, have shown resiliency after a slow start with wins in nine of their last 13 games. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have struggled offensively, with Friday's game marking their 14th time this season scoring two runs or fewer. Despite their recent slump, Boston will look to bounce back and secure a much-needed victory against Atlanta.
As the two teams prepare to face off, Giolito will aim to dominate the Braves lineup and reverse his record against them from previous seasons. The pitching matchup between Holmes and Giolito adds an element of intrigue, with both pitchers eager to showcase their skills on the mound. With the Braves on a positive trajectory and the Red Sox searching for a turnaround, Saturday's game presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to make a statement in the midst of the season.
As fans anticipate the outcome of this pivotal matchup, the stage is set for an exciting showdown between the Braves and the Red Sox. Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights from this weekend series as the battle unfolds on the diamond.