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RHP Hudson starts for Braves in opener vs. Phillies

May 25, 2007 - 2:11 PM Philadelphia (23-24) at Atlanta (28-19) 7:35 pm EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) - Tim Hudson hopes to get back on track when the Atlanta Braves open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

In his last start, Hudson ((5-2, 2.42 ERA) was tagged for a season-high six runs in 4 2/3 innings in Sunday's loss to the Boston Red Sox. However, he is 3-1 with a 2.00 ERA in five home starts this season.

The righthander has a 4-3 mark in 10 career starts when facing Philadelphia.

Matt Diaz homered and starter John Smoltz picked up his 200th career victory as the Braves escaped with a 2-1 win over the New York Mets on Thursday.

"It's a number, but it's a nice number because everybody contributed in special ways," Smoltz said. " I never thought 200 was possible. I believed in myself."

The Phillies will counter with Jamie Moyer (4-3, 4.37 ERA), who has posted wins on the road against every team in the majors except Atlanta, St. Louis and Colorado.

The 44-year-old is 1-6 eight career appearances, including seven starts, against the Braves with his only win coming on May 23, 1987 as a member of the Chicago Cubs.

Moyer could get over the hump with some help from reigning National League MVP Ryan Howard, who is expected to be activied from the 15-day disabled list after being sidelined with a strained quadriceps. The slugger had one homer and four RBI with Class A Lakewood.