Atlanta @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( May 14, 2013 ) Atlanta 0, Arizona 2

Tim Hudson looks to remain unbeaten against the Arizona Diamondbacks when the Atlanta Braves conclude a three-game series at Chase Field on Wednesday. Hudson is 7-0 with a 1.33 ERA in nine career starts against Arizona, which won Tuesday’s matchup 2-0 behind another strong outing by Patrick Corbin. The Braves were shut out for the sixth time this season, and have scored one run or fewer in three of their past four games.

Runs have been scarce for both teams over the past week, with the Diamondbacks scoring three runs or fewer in seven straight games. The Braves won the series opener 10-1, but were held to four hits Tuesday. Arizona shortstop Didi Gregorius robbed the Braves’ Gerald Laird of a hit in the fifth inning and singled in two runs in the third. The rookie is batting .354 with a hit in 14 of his first 17 games and proving to be a capable replacement for Willie Bloomquist (oblique), who is hoping to return by the end of the month.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), Fox Sports Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (4-2, 4.70 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Ian Kennedy (1-3, 4.83)

Hudson turned in his shortest outing of the season Friday against the Giants, allowing six earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. The rough outing marked only the fourth time in Hudson’s career that he allowed at least eight hits and at least six runs while completing fewer than four innings. Hudson has struggled on the road with a 6.97 ERA in four starts compared to a 2.84 ERA in four home starts. Cody Ross is 4-for-23 against Hudson, who is 3-0 with a 0.76 ERA in his last three starts against Arizona.

Kennedy bounced back from back-to-back rough outings with a solid start Friday against the Phillies, allowing two runs in the first before throwing six scoreless frames. “He pitched a great game,” manager Kirk Gibson told reporters. “I think it’s the best he’s thrown the ball, certainly the best he’s executed the game plan.” Kennedy is 6-2 with 2.55 ERA in 12 home games against teams from the National League East since 2010. He gave up three runs over seven innings in his last meeting against the Braves on April 22, 2012.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves CF B.J. Upton missed Tuesday’s game with a sore left shoulder and is listed as day-to-day.

2. Seven of Arizona’s last eight games have been decided by two runs or fewer. The Diamondbacks are 5-2 over that span.

3. The Braves have won nine of their last 12 meetings against the Diamondbacks.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Diamondbacks 2