Atlanta vs. Houston

HOUSTON AT A GLANCE

Lineup

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2B Craig Biggio .294 RF Stan Javier .285 1B Jeff Bagwell .304 CF Carl Everett .325 3B Ken Caminiti .286 LF Daryle Ward .273 C Tony Eusebio .272 SS Ricky Gutierrez .261 P Shane Reynolds .167

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Analysis: Houston got strong starts from pitchers Jose Lima and Mike Hampton to win the final two games of a weekend series against the Dodgers. Jose Lima and Mike Hampton overwhelmed the Dodgers while working on three days’ rest. The Astros need the trend to continue against the Braves. Shane Reynolds will start Game 1 today followed by Lima on three days’ rest again. Hampton is scheduled to start Game 3. First baseman Jeff Bagwell had another MVP-type season, and second baseman Craig Biggio delivered a key hit during the Astros’ first victory over the Dodgers after slumping in September. Closer Billy Wagner is among the best in the business. The Astros need right-hander Reynolds to rebound after a poor second half. Astro fans are tired of watching the ballclub flop in the division series.

* Key reserves: OF Derek Bell (.236), INF Bill Spiers (.288), OF Matt Mieske (.284).

* Team batting: .267 (8th in NL).

* Team pitching: 3.83 (3rd in NL).

ATLANTA AT A GLANCE

Lineup

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LF Gerald Williams .275 2B Bret Boone .252 3B Chipper Jones .319 RF Brian Jordan .283 1B Ryan Klesko .297 CF Andruw Jones .275 SS Jose Hernandez .266 C Eddie Perez .249 P Greg Maddux .153

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Analysis: The Braves have been a postseason fixture in the ‘90s, but they traveled a harder road this season. They overcame losing key players such as first baseman Andres Galarraga and catcher Javy Lopez because of illness and injuries. They overcame the early ineffectiveness of their formidable starting rotation. And they withstood a late-season challenge from the New York Mets. Third baseman Chipper Jones--expected to win the NL most valuable player award--powered the Braves throughout and especially down the stretch. Pitcher Kevin Millwood emerged as a dominant starter in his third season, carrying the staff when the Cy Young Award winners were getting pounded. Not surprisingly, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz returned to form in helping the Braves lead the major leagues with 103 victories.

* Key reserves: OF Otis Nixon (.205), INF Ozzie Guillen (.241), 2B Keith Lockhart (.261).

* Team batting: .266 (9th in NL).

* Team pitching: 3.63 (1st in NL).

KEYS TO THE SERIES

Starting pitching will be the difference. The Braves already had three No. 1 starters in Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz, and Millwood’s ascent gives Manager Bobby Cox four aces. Millwood has earned a spot in the playoff rotation after being bumped to the bullpen last season. Lima and Hampton had some shaky starts in September but appear to be back on track, or was that simply the Dodgers? Chipper Jones must build on his breakthrough season. Jones, who batted .298 with 10 home runs in September, batted only .206 in the 1998 postseason. Bagwell and Biggio are on the spot again. The bullpens are outstanding.

* Records: Astros, 97-65; Braves, 103-59.

* Head to Head: Braves won season series, 6-1.