Debuting in September of last season, Beachy made a noteworthy first impression by posting a 3.00 ERA over three starts. His effectiveness in 2010 was reason enough for the Braves to give a long look in Spring Training before ultimately handing Beachy a starting role with the club on the opening day roster.

After tossing a 7 inning, 2 hit, 6 strikeout performance against Florida last week, Beachy left the game feeling confident going forward that he could play a large part in Atlanta’s success looking forward towards October. “It’s the same story I’ve had most of this year,” Beachy told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution following last week’s start, “I go out and try to pitch and be perfect and [not] fall behind. I think I can make that perfect pitch every time.”

Beachy will be counted on to maintain his impressive 1.18 WHIP and should Atlanta continue their winning ways, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the young righty slotted behind Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hansen, Tim Hudson and compete against veteran Derek Lowe for the number four spot this October.

Brandon Beachy isn’t alone as an underdog pitcher who has come on strong through the summer.

St. Louis’ veteran starter and trade-deadline-darling of 2010, Jake Westbrook has elevated his performance to the tune of a 1.93 ERA over his past two starts. Westbrook won’t tally up strikeouts like his pitching mates Chris Carpenter and Edwin Jackson, but his pinpoint control has kept runners off base and allowed his defense to make plays behind him. Yielding just three walks in his previous four starts, Westbrook will be leaned upon heavily should the Cardinals find themselves playing October baseball.

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