Braves Report

Mike Hampton. That’s all that I really have to say. He started the series opener against the Braves in Atlanta on Friday night, and his reception wasn’t exactly welcoming. Probably for two reasons: he left the team after they had put up with his injury madness for 3 years, and because the Braves’ offense awoke and knocked him out of the game early. Let’s go.

Derek Lowe started the game and had an outing similar to what we’ve come to expect from him: good. He lasted 6 and 2/3rds inning (112 pitches, 74 strikes), gave up 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

[Image: Yahoo! Sports]

(Pictured above: Derek Lowe flicks off an Astro hitter)

Moylan relieved him, and, with 4 pitches, ended the 7th inning. Bennett pitched the next 1 and 2/rds innings, giving up 2 hits, but striking out 3 in the process. He got into a little trouble in the 9th inning, which prompted a call for Mike Gonzalez to come in, who threw 3 pitches and ended the game. Not too shabby at all, pitching staff.

The offense tried to outshine the pitchers’ effort, probably in retaliation to Hampton. They got to him early in the game and forced the Astros to pull him out early in the 5th inning. Leading this charge, once again, was Frenchy. He had 2 hits and made them count. The first was a 2-run shot to left center, and the second was a single that plated 1.

[Image: Yahoo! Sports]

Next on the offensive hit-list were Infante and Escobar. Each had two hits and a pair of RBIs. Infante has been on fire lately, raising his batting average to .364 with his two singles tonight. Escobar earned his 11th RBI of the season by doubling and singling in two runs. Other than that, Matt Diaz and Clint Sammons each had a single. A pretty good night for the offense.

Braves had everything clicking and won, 7 – 2.

Next game: Saturday vs. Astros.

3:30 PM EST. Jurrjens vs. Oswalt. This game will be on FOX.