NY Mets (70-67) at Atlanta (79-59), 7:35 pm EDT
ATLANTA (Ticker) -- One night after witnessing a thrilling victory, fans at Turner Field are treated to a dream pitching matchup of former Cy Young Award winners Tuesday when the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets continue their three-game set.
Chipper Jones' two-run homer in the eighth provided the difference in Monday's 4-2 victory in the series opener. Atlanta looks to ride the momentum from the win behind the reliable arm of John Smoltz (13-6, 3.02 ERA).
The 38-year-old righthander has lost just once in his last 16 starts, going 9-1 with a 2.87 ERA in that stretch. He allowed three runs in five innings Thursday in an eventual 8-7 win vs. Washington.
The 1996 Cy Young Award winner, Smoltz is just 12-10 with a 3.55 ERA in his career against the Mets. He has faced them three times this year, going 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA.
New York counters with ace Pedro Martinez (13-6, 2.90), who is coming off one of his worst starts of the season. The Dominican righthander was reached for five runs - including four homers - in Wednesday's 8-2 loss to Philadelphia.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is just 7-7 with a 3.21 ERA in 22 career games against the Braves, including a 2-1 mark with a 2.05 ERA in three games this year.
The Mets have lost seven of their last nine games, while the Braves have won four of five.
Atlanta holds a 10-4 edge in the season series.