Braves Report

You can’t win them all. The Braves should just be happy with themselves that they were able to rebound after a weak series against the Nationals. After two wins to begin the series, they just couldn’t complete the sweep, and got roughed up pretty bad in the process.

Kenshin Kawakami, a pitcher I still don’t really know too much about, but who is now 1-3 on the season with an ERA over 7. Am I beginning to get worried? Not really. I’m beginning to believe he’ll be a decent pitcher with a high-ish ERA, probably around 4 or 5. His record would be better if he could just get some more run support. In this game, however, that wouldn’t have helped. He was cruising along until the 5th inning, where he imploded, giving up 6 runs and hit after hit. He only lasted 4 and 2/3rds innings, allowed 8 hits, 8 runs, a walk, and a strikeout in that time period. Not the best outing he’s had. Buddy relieved him and did so effectively. He would pitch the next inning, give up a hit, but nothing would ever come of it. Parr would pitch the 7th and the 8th, letting up 2 hits, but nothing else. All in all, a good day for the bullpen, a rough day for Kiwi.

[Image: Yahoo! Sports]

As far as the offense is concerned, the hits were there, but the runs weren’t. David Ross was able to hit a solo shot in the 7th inning for the Braves’ first run of the game. Brandon Jones would later add an RBI single in the 8th, his second hit of the day. Chipper had three hits in the game: a pair of singles and a double. Yunel Escobar managed a couple of singles. Finally, Kelly Johnson and Matt Diaz each singled. 10 hits, but only 2 runs. Not enough.

Braves drop the finale, 8 – 2.

Next game: Monday vs. Cardinals.

7:00 PM EST. Jurrjens vs. Pineiro. This game is on ESPN!