The pitcher in the series opener Friday night isn't too bad, either.

Jair Jurrjens certainly can't match Smoltz or Hudson when it comes to Major League success, but he has definitely made a positive early impression in his first season with the Braves.

The 22-year-old from Curacao was especially impressive in his last start, limiting the Dodgers to three hits over seven innings in a 6-1 victory on Sunday. He struck out eight and walked three while improving to 2-2 with a 3.20 ERA.

Jurrjens was acquired from Detroit in the trade for veteran shortstop Edgar Renteria last fall and won a spot in the Braves' rotation with a solid Grapefruit League performance.

"He pitches like someone a lot older," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He's been really good."

Jurrjens, however, is still looking for his first road victory with the Braves.

Both of his wins have come at Turner Field, where he has a 2.19 ERA compared to a 4.15 ERA and an 0-2 record on the road.

2009 Baseball Bats

Jurrjens, whose only other trip to New York was with the Tigers last season, says that he won't be intimidated by Shea Stadium, however.

"It can't be worse than Cleveland," Jurrjens said. "One guy yelled that the Tigers shouldn't have called me up because they were just going to send me down the next day."

Jurrjens lost his Major League debut on Aug. 15 at Cleveland, but got back at the heckler by beating the Indians in Detroit six days later. He allowed just one hit and one run in 6 2/3 innings.

Jurrjens, who hadn't batted for five years, is still looking for his first hit. But he isn't alone with a .000 average this season. Through Thursday's game, no Braves pitcher had a hit this season.

"At least I lead with two walks," Jurrjens said.

Pitching matchup
ATL: RHP Jair Jurrjens (2-2, 3.20 ERA)
Jurrjens has continued to impress with an aggressive approach that proves he's not afraid to pitch to contact. But with a lively fastball and a good changeup on Sunday afternoon, he recorded a career-high eight strikeouts and limited the Dodgers to one run in seven innings. While his stuff is good, the Braves have been most impressed with the 22-year-old pitcher's composure and knowledge about pitching. Four of his nine walks in 25 1/3 innings have been intentional. He has 21 strikeouts.

NYM: RHP Mike Pelfrey (2-0, 3.18 ERA)
Pelfrey had a shaky start in his last outing, giving up four runs and 10 hits over five innings against the Phillies on Sunday in a no-decision. Pelfrey has benefited from great run support in all three of his starts this season. The Mets produced eight runs in the Mets' 8-2 victory over Philadelphia on April 9 and six runs in a 6-0 win over Washington on April 15. He was down 4-0 against Philadelphia on Saturday, when the Mets responded with four runs in the sixth to get him off the hook with a no-decision. Pelfrey, however, did see his ERA balloon from 1.50 to 3.18.

Tidbits
The Braves beat the Mets 11-5 and 3-1 in Atlanta during the first weekend of the season, with Hudson and Smoltz getting the victories. Smoltz allowed two hits in five scoreless innings. ... Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur each had a three-hit game against the Mets in Atlanta, while Kelly Johnson had a grand slam as a pinch-hitter. ... Jones, who turned 36 on Thursday, is a .310 career hitter against the Mets in Shea Stadium, with 19 homers in 306 at-bats. ... The Braves were 5-4 in New York last year and 9-9 overall against the Mets. ... Tom Glavine, on the DL because of a slight hamstring strain, had a successful side session on Wednesday and is set to pitch Tuesday at Washington.

Tickets
 Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.