Braves look for sweep of struggling Cubs

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The Atlanta Braves will try to finish off a three-game sweep of the visiting Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.

Atlanta has won two games in a row after dropping its first three games of the season. The Braves have notched back-to-back wins over the Cubs, including a 6-4 comeback victory on Wednesday night, and are looking to climb back to .500 on the year.

"These guys never quit," Braves manager Brian Snitker told the media after the win. "(It's) what they're all about. They're never out of a game. They showed patience, had some really good at-bats and put together a big inning to win the game."

Meanwhile, the Cubs will try to snap a four-game losing streak on the heels of another disappointing defeat. The bullpen squandered a 4-2 advantage during the eighth inning after right-hander Steve Cishek walked the bases loaded and southpaw Randy Rosario allowed a three-run double against Johan Camargo to lead the Braves to a come-from-behind win.

A victory in the series finale could help the Cubs move past their cold start to the season.

'Everyone is trying to come in, whether it be a hitting situation or pitching situation, and be the guy," starter Jon Lester said in comments published by ESPN. "That's hard to do over 162 games. We put such an emphasis on getting off to a good start, I think it's hanging over our heads a little bit. ...

"This is a product of trying too hard right now. Guys want to do well and make the really good play or make that perfect pitch. Right now, we're kind of backing ourselves into the corner as opposed to getting the opposing team into the corner."

Braves left-hander Max Fried (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is scheduled to make his third appearance and first start of the 2019 season. The 25-year-old Fried won his only previous appearance against the Cubs, limiting the squad to one run in five innings.

Fried went 1-4 with a 2.94 ERA in 14 games (five starts) in 2018. He struck out 44 batters in 33 2/3 innings.

Chicago is expected to counter with right-hander Yu Darvish (0-0, 10.13 ERA), who is scheduled to make his second start of the year. The 32-year-old Darvish has a 5.27 ERA in nine starts with the Cubs since a year ago.

In his lone previous start against the Braves, Darvish allowed six runs.

Snitker also talked about star outfielder Ronald Acuna and the new contract worth a reported $100 million the youngster agreed to with the club earlier this week. Snitker expects Acuna to feel strengthened by the deal for the following weeks.

"You're never going to diminish the energy and zest he plays the game with," Snitker said of his young outfielder. "He's just an infectious kid to watch out there. How he plays the game, the fun he has, the energy with which he plays, the talent, the whole package."

--Field Level Media