Game 73: Braves at Pirates

Tonight's probables:
Williams Perez (4-0, 2.78) vs. Francisco Liriano (4-6, 3.26)
Game preview:
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201506...game_pk=414752
"Liriano gets the call as Braves come to PNC
By Mark Bowman / MLB.com | + 0 COMMENTS
When the Braves and Pirates begin a three-game series on Friday night at PNC Park, both teams will be attempting to distance themselves from the recent struggles that have weakened their place in their respective divisions.
The Pirates had won eight straight games before being swept last weekend by the Nationals, who also won three straight against the Braves this week. The Atlanta and Pittsburgh offenses will have the luxury of not having to deal with Washington's strong starting rotation this weekend.
The Pirates will send Francisco Liriano to the mound to oppose Williams Perez in the series opener. Pittsburgh took two of three when these two teams met in Atlanta earlier this month.
Things to know about this game:
• Liriano has allowed three earned runs or less in 11 of his 14 starts. He has surrendered at least five runs in the other three starts, including last weekend's five-inning effort against the Nationals. The veteran left-hander allowed seven earned runs in his first start (Aug. 19) against the Braves last year and then blanked them for six innings on Sept. 22.
• Perez surrendered a pair of home runs and four earned runs (his highest total as a starting pitcher) against the Mets on Saturday. Initially, it appeared the right-hander would simply serve as a short-term member of Atlanta's rotation. But with the help of some timely ground balls, he has posted a 2.14 ERA while allowing opponents to compile a .326 on-base percentage in his first seven starts.
• Starling Marte has batted .307 with four home runs and a .920 OPS in the 19 games he has played against the Braves since the start of the 2012 season.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs."