House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves Series Preview: Cardinals present another measuring stick in NL

By Matthew Browning

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Tyler Flowers #25 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Champion Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 9: Michael  Wacha #52 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 9, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 9: Michael  Wacha #52 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Busch Stadium on May 9, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Game 2-Michael Wacha vs. Mike Soroka

On the season, Michael Wacha has three wins, but it’s deceiving because he has an ERA of 5.35.

He has faced the Atlanta Braves five times in his career; three games as a starter and two as a reliever.

The numbers are okay: 0-2 record, but an ERA of 4.12.

On April 11th, Wacha gave up seven earned runs to the Dodgers, but since then the results have been better, even if the numbers don’t align: 3-0 record, 5.40 ERA in 21.2 innings.

Freeman and Ender Inciarte have terrific numbers off Wacha. Freeman has hit .429 in his career, while Inciarte has hit .667.

Mike Soroka has never faced the Cardinals, so that obviously plays to his advantage.

While the All-Star Game selections are still a month and a half away, Soroka is certainly in line to be chosen based off his early season numbers.

He is currently 3-1 with a 1.21 ERA and a 1.045 WHIP.

In his last start against Arizona, Soroka received a no-decision, but was lights out in six innings, as he scattered four hits, while striking out four and allowing an earned run.

Even with how great Soroka has been, it still feels like there is room for him to be even better. Hopefully we get that on Wednesday.

Contrast to the first game, this is one the Braves should win.

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