Braves Report

I’m getting more and more convinced that this team has some sort of a multiple-personality disorder. One night, they’re getting 1-hit by a pitcher with a sub-.500 record. The next, they’re pouring on the runs. Fortunately, tonight was the latter, and the Braves walked away with a solid win with strong performances by mostly everyone.

Jair Jurrjens continued to be one of the main pillars that supports this team by going 6 innings tonight. He looked great out there, while striking out out 6, walking 3, and only allowing 5 hits and 1 run. It’s very nice to see the consistency he provides while many other aspects of this team aren’t nearly as certain. Relieving him was Ohman, who was perfect. Boyer follwed with an inning of his own: perfect. The Braves’ latest acquistion, Julian Tavarez, made his debut tonight and was less than stellar. He came in the 9th to presumably end the game, but was unable to do so by himself. He ended up only going 1/3 of an inning, while walking 2, giving up 2 hits, and 2 runs (1 earned). Gonzalez came in to close the out the game in a non-save situation, and did so promptly with 2 K’s. Overall, a pretty good night for the pitching staff with only a minor blemish.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the offense as the winners of this game. Completely unlike yesterday, they actually showed up tonight. Although, at first, it seemed like we were going to be watching a repeat of yesterday, as the Braves didn’t record their first hit until the 5th inning. But once they were able to overcome this hurdle, the wheels came off for the Dodgers. Escobar (World’s Greatest Cuban) led the charge with a bases-loaded-clearing double, putting the Braves ahead for good.

(Image: Yahoo! Sports)

The next inning, Blanco singled in 2 runs. He also had a stolen base, and continues to impress. McCann had two solo shots on the night, including a back-to-back one with Teixeira in the 9th. Francoeur rejoined the team today and went 1 for 5 with a single to left. He also completed a double play on a flyball, throwing out Andre Ethier at first. Also fueling the offensive charge was Johnson, who added a pair of singles and accounted for 3 runs. Kotsay went 3 for 4, all singles. Coming off the bench to pinch-hit was Martin Prado, who had an RBI single. At the end of the night, the offense put up 12 hits. In fact, the only position player who didn’t join in on the hit parade was Chipper. He was 0 for 4, with 3 K’s. He’ s 0 for 7 this series, with 4 K’s, lowering his batting average to .379. Hopefully he’ll turn it around tomorrow. Everyone else, keep doing what you’re doing.

Braves win big, 9 – 3.

Tomorrow’s game, same crazy time, 10:10 PM EST, not nationally televised.