Braves 12, Cardinals 5

Recap: Matt Diaz went 2 for 3 with three runs in the Braves trouncing of the Cardinasl 12-5. The Cardinals made it close in the seventh when Brian Barton drilled a two run triple but the Braves broke it wide open in the eighth knocking in three runs including Josh Anderson's two-run double. Diaz's spot on performance was matched only by Scott Thorman's four RBIs and Tim Hudson's well-pitched four innings.

Next game: Monday, @ St. Louis @ 1:05 PM/est

News & Notes: John Smoltz threw is final simulated game on Sunday...Closer Rafael Soriano threw a bullpen session on Friday morning, saying his elbow felt better....Peter Moylan threw his first inning for the Braves on Sunday after missing a week with a sore elbow...Chuck James threw batting practice for the third time since having shoulder surgery in the off season...Diaz has spent the past two seasons hitting above .300 for the Braves but has been unable to prove his worth as a starter for the team in left field. Could his .458 Grapefruit League average push him over the edge going into this season? Or will the Braves incredible depth in the outfield keep him platooning in left?

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate