Thursday, July 2, 2009

Braves continue to Roll


Braves 11, Phillies 1

The Braves have finally begun to do something they haven’t been able to do over the past three years, win in close games. It seems that when the game tightens up, the Braves have found ways to get timely hits or brilliant pitching, allowing them to get victories in one run and extra inning games, just like their come-from-behind victory over the Phillies on Tuesday. But just as soon as they start to become a scrappy team, their offense vanishes or their pitching regresses and the Braves go on losing streaks. It’s this inconsistency that has frustrated many a fan, including myself.

Wednesday, however, the stars alligned with Jair Jurrjens throwing a near no-hitter and the Braves offense providing a huge cushion which allowed them to wallop the Phillies 11-1. Jurrjens’ bid for his first career no-hitter ended when Paul Bako hit a two out single in the seventh inning. Kris Melden replaced Jurrjens in the eight, giving up the only other Phillies hit, a single to Shane Victorino. By then the Braves had created an insurmountable lead with fourteen hits, including homeruns by Matt Diaz and Diory Hernandez.

News&Notes: Yunel Escobar and Nate McLouth were held out of Wednesday's game...The Braves are giving Martin Prado a chance at taking over second base...Apparently Jeff Francoeur is very partial to his Thanksgiving underwear. Gobble gobble…Tim Hudson is getting closer to returning to the mound...Click here to register for a chance to meet Chipper Jones or Brian McCann.
(Photo: AP)

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