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The only reason I'm writing anything about this game is Tommy Hanson.Tommy Hanson (AP - David J. Phillip)
The Braves scored their lone run in the second on an RBI single by Matt Diaz. The Braves held the one-run lead through eight but Rafael Soriano gave up the game in the ninth. Miguel Tejada singled in two for the Astros win.
Tommy Hanson: 8 IP, 5 H, 7 K
Rafael Soriano: L (1-5), BSV (4), 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, K
Hanson pitched one of the best games of his life. He gave up singles in the second and third but induced double plays both times. An infield single by Lance Berkman and a single by Wandy Rodriguez were the only other hits Hanson allowed. He was perfect for the last two innings and actually struck out two in the eighth for a total of seven along with no walks. While many will complain about Hanson getting pulled after eight, I do understand the move. There is no need for him to push 100 pitches now that the season is lost.
Matt Diaz: 2-3, RBI
The Braves really cannot hit. They had a total of three hits and struck out 10 times. I don't know when was the last time a middle of the order hitter actually got a hit, and I don't really feel like looking it up either.
Notable Astros:
Wandy Rodriguez: 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Notable Stat:
There was one extra base hit between the two teams (Berkman double off Soriano).
Next Game:
9/10: @ Astros, 8:05 (Derek Lowe vs. Roy Oswalt)
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2 comments:
i disagree about removing Hanson. not during a shutout that clearly mattered to him, when he is a RoY candidate. i understand protecting an arm when something is needless, but this is one of the few things Braves fans have had to cheer about all year.
you have to give folks a reason to watch the games, and he is an athlete in top condition. not many guys are hurt going thorough the ninth after less than 100 pitches. i wrote an article on the fan reaction to bobby's decision on my blog.
I know what you're saying and I completely understand, but in today's game it's just natural to pull a rookie at 100 pitches. If the Braves were in playoff contention he would have finished the game, I guarantee that. And while it probably wouldn't have hurt to let him finish, that's why it's a precautionary move, to prevent any fatigue that might set in his arm when it's not needed.
I will agree that Bobby Cox has become a robot at manager. I can predict every move he makes before it happens, and that's not saying anything about me. It's like he's just an old man sitting on the front porch going through the motions of everyday life. For the first time since I was born, I really do have some doubts in my mind about whether he will be back next year.
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