Analysis: I like quite a few games tonight - this is one of them. Working to get the "April" focus again.....
In this game it's obviously Hudson against his old team. One could reasonably argue he knows the hitters, but I would contend that this benefits the hitter because they also know Hudson. I suppose Posey could sit because Belt is hot and Posey won't play first - but the Giants put up seven last night while Posey went 0-4. The Braves haven't been hitting, and Freeman was also 0-4 last night. Hudson had his one good game against the Dodgers, and started the season by shutting out San Diego. Other that that, he's been horrible. He's breaking down, and the starts I've watched even when he's on early, he eventually has the one big inning against him - he's allowed three earned runs or more in all BUT those two starts - so Atlanta gets to 3 here. And we need SF to all well to assure at least a push. Foltynewicz has a WHIP of 1.42 - but what's key here is that when he's off he's UP. He's given up runs in every start except against the Brewers last outing. Atlanta's pen has an ERA of 4.22 the last week and 4.20 on the road for the season - so the Giants get theirs - they've pounded out double digit hits in five of their last eight games, the weather is conducive, and we've got (this year at least) a big-time over umpire behind the plate. Bucknor hasn't had a game with LESS then 7 runs yet this season and is 6-1-2 to the over already - and the last three seasons he's almost 60% over in the National League. We'll get this one.