Albies exploits Freeland history in Braves-Rockies matchup
Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies has gone 11-for-24 with four extra-base hits in his career against Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland. Those numbers highlight Albies as a central figure in Sunday's game between the teams. The Braves send Spencer Strider to the mound for his season debut, while Freeland makes the start for Colorado.
The Braves entered May with a strong record after a promising start, rebounding from injuries that hampered them last season. Atlanta leads the NL East comfortably early in the month. The Rockies sit under .500 but exceed last year's pace, when they won 43 games and did not reach 15 victories until June 16.
Strider posted a 7-14 record with a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 125.1 innings in 23 starts last year. Colorado hitters are 8-for-32 against him lifetime, with two RBIs and 14 strikeouts. Freeland carries a 1-2 mark this season with a 3.48 ERA and 1.11 WHIP; in his lone home start, he pitched 6.1 innings and allowed one run on three hits. The Braves bat .328 against him collectively, going 45-for-137.
Atlanta's missing pieces have not derailed their momentum, unlike last year. Colorado shows improved hitting and pitching, with Freeland standing out early.
