• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Giants-Braves Preview

Jul 21, 2009 - 4:30 AM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

San Francisco (50-41) at Atlanta (46-46), 7:10 p.m. EDT

The Atlanta Braves still have a long way to go to catch the reigning World Series champions in the NL East race, but if they keep hitting the way they have thus far in July, they may have a chance.

The San Francisco Giants only wish they could have as much confidence in their offense.

No NL team has scored more runs this month than the Braves, and they'll try to stay hot Tuesday night as they continue a four-game set at Turner Field against the suddenly punchless Giants.

Atlanta (47-46) scored 93 runs in June, tied for the fourth-worst production in the majors en route to an 11-15 record.

A new month, however, appears to have turned the Braves' offense around. After tagging San Francisco (50-42) for three homers among 13 hits in an 11-3 win Monday, Atlanta has an NL-high 95 runs in posting an 11-6 mark with 10 games left in July.

That's one more run than East-leading Philadelphia has put up during its 13-3 July, a surge that's put it 6 1/2 games ahead of manager Bobby Cox's club.

Six players have at least eight RBIs this month for the Braves, but Yunel Escobar has led the way. Atlanta's shortstop had two more hits Monday to boost his average to .405 (17 for 42) with two homers and 13 RBIs this month, his latest multihit effort coming hours after being named the NL player of the week.

"I never expected it," Escobar told the Braves' official Web site. "I have just been relaxed at the plate and in the field."

The Giants' offense, meanwhile, has disappeared recently. San Francisco is hitting .208 with 57 strikeouts over its last six games, totaling 14 runs. Aaron Rowand and Travis Ishikawa are a combined 2 for 34 (.059) with one RBI and 10 strikeouts.

Eight of the Braves' runs in the series opener came against the Giants' bullpen, which wasted a quality start from Jonathan Sanchez in his first outing since tossing a no-hitter July 10.

San Francisco also dropped to 1-3 on its 10-game road trip despite its rotation delivering a quality start each time while posting a 2.39 ERA. The Giants' bullpen entered the series having allowed a major league-low 93 earned runs.

Rookie Ryan Sadowski (2-1, 1.00 ERA) will try to keep the staff's streak going in his first start since July 8 against Florida. The right-hander didn't allow a run in winning his first two major league starts, but gave up three over five innings in a 7-0 loss to the Marlins.

Manager Bruce Bochy, though, was still impressed with the 25-year-old.

"You get into the sixth inning and you've given up two runs, you've given your team a chance," Bochy told the Giants' official Web site. "He has great poise out there. ... He keeps his focus. He doesn't get rattled."

San Francisco's mound opponent should look very familiar. The team has had plenty of experience facing Derek Lowe (8-7, 4.40) while the right-hander was pitching for the rival Los Angeles Dodgers the past four seasons.

Lowe, who was 4-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 13 starts against the Giants from 2005-2008, will be seeking a more consistent second half. After going 7-3 with a 3.44 ERA in his first 13 outings, Lowe is 1-4 with a 6.69 ERA in his last seven starts.

He gave up three runs and five hits over six innings Thursday against the New York Mets, leaving without a decision in Atlanta's 5-3 win.

Rowand is 10 for 20 in his career against Lowe.