@
Notes, Braves Minor League roundup, and NL East roundup for Wednesday (4/29).
Notes:
- Kenshin Kawakami will be given three additional days of rest in order to rest a sore shoulder that popped up after his most recent start against the Reds. An off day today means the rotation will remain the same, just moving everybody up a day to start on their regular amount of rest. Jair Jurrjens will start Saturday in place of Kawakami, and Jo-Jo Reyes and Javier Vazquez will start on normal rest the following two days.
- Mike Hampton returns in the opening game of the Houston series at Turner Field. He will face Derek Lowe on Friday night.
Minor League Roundup:
The Gwinnett Braves (8-12) have defeated Norfolk two in a row, winning 8-6. Gregor Blanco broke out with two hits, a homer, and two RBIs. Alvin Colina had three RBIs. Barbaro Canizares, Van Pope, and Reid Gorecki each added an RBI. Todd Redmond allowed one run on three hits in five innings, walking one and striking out three. Vladimir Nunez and Francisley Bueno combined to allow five runs.
The Mississippi Braves (9-10) had their game with West Tennessee postponed.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (8-13) beat Lynchburg, 4-1. Cody Johnson continues to swing the bat with a homer and two RBIs. Donell Linaris had two hits and a solo homer. Michael Fisher added two hits and an RBI. Brian McCann went 1-3 with a double, walk, and scored once. Edgar Osuna allowed one run on six hits in seven innings, not walking any and striking out eight. Cory Gearrin and Thomas Palica each pitched a scoreless inning.
The Rome Braves (9-11) lost to Lexington, 4-2. Rome's defense committed three errors. Luis Sumoza had the lone RBI. Richard Sullivan pitched eight innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits, not walking any and striking out five.
NL East Roundup:
The Marlins (13-8) scored two in the eighth for a 4-3 win over the Mets. Jorge Cantu hit a solo homer. Cody Ross drove in the two late runs that gave the Marlins the win. Wes Helms added an RBI. Josh Johnson pitched six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits while walking one and striking out three. Renyel Pinto, Leo Nunez, and Matt Lindstrom each pitched a scoreless inning.
The Phillies (11-9) couldn't complete a sweep of the Nationals, losing 4-1. Shane Victorino had the lone run on a solo homer. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard added two hits each. Brett Myers allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings. Jack Taschner gave up a run in two innings.
The Mets (9-12) dropped the rubber game to the Marlins, 4-3. Fernando Tatis had three hits and a solo homer. Ramon Castro and Alex Cora added an RBI each. Johan Santana allowed two runs on five hits in seven innings, striking out seven. J.J. Putz gave up the lead with two runs in the eighth.
The Nationals (5-15) avoided a sweep by beating the Phillies, 4-1. Anderson Hernandez had three hits and two RBIs. Elijah Dukes and Ryan Zimmerman added an RBI each. Scott Olsen gave up one run on six hits in five and two-thirds innings, walking two and striking out six.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Cardinals 5, Braves 3
Javier Vazquez pitched eight innings with a four-run fifth being the only blemish on his start. However, it proved to be costly, as it led to a 5-3 win for the Cardinals and a series loss.
The Braves started the scoring in the second on an RBI single by Omar Infante. Skip Schumaker answered in the third with an RBI single to tie it at one. But the Braves reclaimed the lead quickly in the home half with a single by Jeff Francoeur that led to an error resulting in a run scoring. Francoeur eventually scored on a wild pitch for a two-run lead.
The Cardinals dealt a big blow in the fifth. Four straight RBI singles from Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, Chris Duncan, and Rick Ankiel resulted in four runs and a two-run lead for the Cardinals. They held on for the 5-3 win.
Vazquez pitched eight, allowing five runs on nine hits while walking one and striking out eight. Despite five runs and nine hits, Vazquez was incredibly efficient, throwing just 95 pitches over eight innings. Rafael Soriano struck out two over a scoreless ninth.
Infante further helped his own cause with three hits and an RBI in the leadoff spot. Francoeur and Casey Kotchman each had two hits. Jordan Schafer had three walks.
Wainwright allowed two earned runs on seven hits in six innings, walking five and striking out two. Dennys Reyes and Chris Perez combined for a scoreless seventh. Jason Motte and Ryan Franklin combined for a scoreless eighth, and Franklin pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
Pujols led the Cardinals with two hits and an RBI. Schumaker, Duncan, Ankiek, and Wainwright each picked up an RBI.
The Braves host the Astros for a three-game set starting Friday night at 7:30. Mike Hampton returns to face Derek Lowe.
Notes:
- In two straight starts at second base, Omar Infante is 4-8 with an RBI. The four hits are as many as Kelly Johnson has in his past 39 at bats.
- Albert Pujols went 3-12 with an RBI in the series. His average dropped from .343 to .329.
- Kenshin Kawakami's next start will be pushed back three extra days due to shoulder soreness. Full details on the roundup tomorrow.
The Braves started the scoring in the second on an RBI single by Omar Infante. Skip Schumaker answered in the third with an RBI single to tie it at one. But the Braves reclaimed the lead quickly in the home half with a single by Jeff Francoeur that led to an error resulting in a run scoring. Francoeur eventually scored on a wild pitch for a two-run lead.
The Cardinals dealt a big blow in the fifth. Four straight RBI singles from Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, Chris Duncan, and Rick Ankiel resulted in four runs and a two-run lead for the Cardinals. They held on for the 5-3 win.
Vazquez pitched eight, allowing five runs on nine hits while walking one and striking out eight. Despite five runs and nine hits, Vazquez was incredibly efficient, throwing just 95 pitches over eight innings. Rafael Soriano struck out two over a scoreless ninth.
Infante further helped his own cause with three hits and an RBI in the leadoff spot. Francoeur and Casey Kotchman each had two hits. Jordan Schafer had three walks.
Wainwright allowed two earned runs on seven hits in six innings, walking five and striking out two. Dennys Reyes and Chris Perez combined for a scoreless seventh. Jason Motte and Ryan Franklin combined for a scoreless eighth, and Franklin pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
Pujols led the Cardinals with two hits and an RBI. Schumaker, Duncan, Ankiek, and Wainwright each picked up an RBI.
The Braves host the Astros for a three-game set starting Friday night at 7:30. Mike Hampton returns to face Derek Lowe.
Notes:
- In two straight starts at second base, Omar Infante is 4-8 with an RBI. The four hits are as many as Kelly Johnson has in his past 39 at bats.
- Albert Pujols went 3-12 with an RBI in the series. His average dropped from .343 to .329.
- Kenshin Kawakami's next start will be pushed back three extra days due to shoulder soreness. Full details on the roundup tomorrow.
4/28: Final Roundup
Notes, Braves Minor League roundup, and NL East roundup for Tuesday (4/28).
Notes:
- Brian McCann experienced better vision in his first rehab game in Myrtle Beach. He went 0-3 but had more confidence in his vision and feels better about being able to come off the DL with clear eyes.
- Random notes due to the Braves' lack of hitting via DOB and myself:
- Kelly Johnson is hitting 4-39.
- Despite a .309 average, Casey Kotchman has zero homers and five RBIs. This puts the Braves in last in homers at the position and also last in RBIs at the position.
- During the current 4-9 stretch, the Braves have scored two or fewer runs eight times.
- The Braves have three stolen bases as a team, lowest in baseball. That's half of what the next lowest team has.
Via DOB: http://tinyurl.com/d95ch3
Minor League Roundup:
The Gwinnett Braves (7-12) beat Norfolk, 8-2. Brooks Conrad had a homer and two RBIs. All but two starters in the lineup picked up an RBI. Brian Barton broke out of his slump with two hits and an RBI. Charlie Morton allowed one run on five hits in five innings, walking two and striking out two. Manny Acosta walked two but pitched two scoreless innings. Boone Logan allowed a run in an inning.
The Mississippi Braves (9-10) were defeated by West Tennessee, 12-6. Gorkys Hernandez continues to slug with two RBIs. Matt Young added a solo homer. Travis Jones recorded two RBIs, and Brandon Hicks added an RBI. Kyle Cofield allowed three runs in four and two-thirds innings, giving up just three hits but walking seven. Stephen Marek allowed four runs, as did Brett Butts. (Season Stat Highlight: Gorkys Hernandez - .321, 0 HR, 9 RBI)
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7-13) lost to Lynchburg, 8-2. Brian McCann went 0-3 in a rehab start. Cody Johnson hit a solo homer. Robert Marcial added two hits and an RBI. C.J. Lee continues to hit after being called up from Rome, going 2-4 in his first start as a Pelican. Jose Ortegano gave up five earned runs, seven total, in only an inning and a third. Craig Kimbrel pitched two and a third innings, allowing one run.
The Rome Braves (9-10) lost to Lexington, 4-2. L.V. Ware was the only offense, hitting a homer and two RBIs as part of a two-hit night. Randall Delgado allowed three runs in four innings. J.J. Hoover allowed one run in four innings, not walking any and striking out seven.
NL East Roundup:
The Marlins (12-8) remained on top by half a game and ended a seven-game skid by beating the Mets, 7-4. Jorge Cantu carried the offense with three hits, two homers, and five RBIs. Ricky Nolasco allowed four runs in five innings. Leo Nunez and Matt Lindstrom shut the door with scoreless eighth and ninth innings.
The Phillies (11-8) cruised past the Nationals, 7-1. Chase Utley had three hits, two homers, and three RBIs. Pedro Feliz added a homer and three RBIs. Raul Ibanez also homered. Cole Hamels shut out the Nationals over four and a third innings before rolling his ankle and leaving the game. It's diagnosed as sprained and is day-to-day.
The Mets (9-11) fell to the Marlins, 7-4. Gary Sheffield had two RBIs along with an RBI apiece from David Wright and Alex Cora. Livan Hernandez allowed two earned runs in five and a third innings. Sean Green was the loser with four earned runs allowed.
The Nationals (4-15) were drubbed by the Phillies, 7-1. Adam Dunn was the offense with two hits and one RBI on a solo homer. John Lannan allowed three earned runs, six total, in five innings. Saul Rivera allowed a run in two innings.
Notes:
- Brian McCann experienced better vision in his first rehab game in Myrtle Beach. He went 0-3 but had more confidence in his vision and feels better about being able to come off the DL with clear eyes.
- Random notes due to the Braves' lack of hitting via DOB and myself:
- Kelly Johnson is hitting 4-39.
- Despite a .309 average, Casey Kotchman has zero homers and five RBIs. This puts the Braves in last in homers at the position and also last in RBIs at the position.
- During the current 4-9 stretch, the Braves have scored two or fewer runs eight times.
- The Braves have three stolen bases as a team, lowest in baseball. That's half of what the next lowest team has.
Via DOB: http://tinyurl.com/d95ch3
Minor League Roundup:
The Gwinnett Braves (7-12) beat Norfolk, 8-2. Brooks Conrad had a homer and two RBIs. All but two starters in the lineup picked up an RBI. Brian Barton broke out of his slump with two hits and an RBI. Charlie Morton allowed one run on five hits in five innings, walking two and striking out two. Manny Acosta walked two but pitched two scoreless innings. Boone Logan allowed a run in an inning.
The Mississippi Braves (9-10) were defeated by West Tennessee, 12-6. Gorkys Hernandez continues to slug with two RBIs. Matt Young added a solo homer. Travis Jones recorded two RBIs, and Brandon Hicks added an RBI. Kyle Cofield allowed three runs in four and two-thirds innings, giving up just three hits but walking seven. Stephen Marek allowed four runs, as did Brett Butts. (Season Stat Highlight: Gorkys Hernandez - .321, 0 HR, 9 RBI)
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7-13) lost to Lynchburg, 8-2. Brian McCann went 0-3 in a rehab start. Cody Johnson hit a solo homer. Robert Marcial added two hits and an RBI. C.J. Lee continues to hit after being called up from Rome, going 2-4 in his first start as a Pelican. Jose Ortegano gave up five earned runs, seven total, in only an inning and a third. Craig Kimbrel pitched two and a third innings, allowing one run.
The Rome Braves (9-10) lost to Lexington, 4-2. L.V. Ware was the only offense, hitting a homer and two RBIs as part of a two-hit night. Randall Delgado allowed three runs in four innings. J.J. Hoover allowed one run in four innings, not walking any and striking out seven.
NL East Roundup:
The Marlins (12-8) remained on top by half a game and ended a seven-game skid by beating the Mets, 7-4. Jorge Cantu carried the offense with three hits, two homers, and five RBIs. Ricky Nolasco allowed four runs in five innings. Leo Nunez and Matt Lindstrom shut the door with scoreless eighth and ninth innings.
The Phillies (11-8) cruised past the Nationals, 7-1. Chase Utley had three hits, two homers, and three RBIs. Pedro Feliz added a homer and three RBIs. Raul Ibanez also homered. Cole Hamels shut out the Nationals over four and a third innings before rolling his ankle and leaving the game. It's diagnosed as sprained and is day-to-day.
The Mets (9-11) fell to the Marlins, 7-4. Gary Sheffield had two RBIs along with an RBI apiece from David Wright and Alex Cora. Livan Hernandez allowed two earned runs in five and a third innings. Sean Green was the loser with four earned runs allowed.
The Nationals (4-15) were drubbed by the Phillies, 7-1. Adam Dunn was the offense with two hits and one RBI on a solo homer. John Lannan allowed three earned runs, six total, in five innings. Saul Rivera allowed a run in two innings.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Braves 2, Cardinals 1
Jo-Jo Reyes pitched seven dominating innings and Matt Diaz drove in two crucial runs late as the Braves squeaked by the Cardinals, 2-1.
The Cardinals started early with an RBI single by Yadier Molina in the first. The game remained 1-0 Cardinals until the eighth, when Diaz singled with the bases loaded to plate the tying and go-ahead runs. The Braves held on for the one-run win.
Reyes allowed one run on three hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out seven. Peter Moylan pitched a scoreless eighth to earn the win. Mike Gonzalez struck out the side in the ninth for the save.
Diaz picked up the only two RBIs for the Braves. Jordan Schafer had two hits. Chipper Jones had four walks in four at bats, scoring on Diaz's hit. Omar Infante scored the other run, going 1-3 with a walk in place of Kelly Johnson.
Kyle Lohse pitched six shutout innings, giving up four hits while walking four and striking out six. Jason Motte pitched a scoreless seventh. Kyle McClellan gave up the lead and game by allowing Diaz's two-run hit in the eighth. He walked three in a row to load the bases before giving up the Diaz single.
Molina had two of the Cardinals' three hits, and picked up the lone RBI. Lohse had the other hit. Albert Pujols went 0-3 with a walk and strikeout. The strikeout came in the ninth against Gonzalez.
Adam Wainwright and Javier Vazquez face off in the rubber match, starting at 7:00 on Wednesday.
Notes:
- Kelly Johnson sat due to struggles that have resulted in a 4-39 stretch. Omar Infante got the start and went 1-3, scoring the go-ahead run.
- By striking out the side in the ninth, Mike Gonzalez now has 16 strikeouts in 8.1 innings.
- Greg Norton is now 1-15 on the season.
The Cardinals started early with an RBI single by Yadier Molina in the first. The game remained 1-0 Cardinals until the eighth, when Diaz singled with the bases loaded to plate the tying and go-ahead runs. The Braves held on for the one-run win.
Reyes allowed one run on three hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out seven. Peter Moylan pitched a scoreless eighth to earn the win. Mike Gonzalez struck out the side in the ninth for the save.
Diaz picked up the only two RBIs for the Braves. Jordan Schafer had two hits. Chipper Jones had four walks in four at bats, scoring on Diaz's hit. Omar Infante scored the other run, going 1-3 with a walk in place of Kelly Johnson.
Kyle Lohse pitched six shutout innings, giving up four hits while walking four and striking out six. Jason Motte pitched a scoreless seventh. Kyle McClellan gave up the lead and game by allowing Diaz's two-run hit in the eighth. He walked three in a row to load the bases before giving up the Diaz single.
Molina had two of the Cardinals' three hits, and picked up the lone RBI. Lohse had the other hit. Albert Pujols went 0-3 with a walk and strikeout. The strikeout came in the ninth against Gonzalez.
Adam Wainwright and Javier Vazquez face off in the rubber match, starting at 7:00 on Wednesday.
Notes:
- Kelly Johnson sat due to struggles that have resulted in a 4-39 stretch. Omar Infante got the start and went 1-3, scoring the go-ahead run.
- By striking out the side in the ninth, Mike Gonzalez now has 16 strikeouts in 8.1 innings.
- Greg Norton is now 1-15 on the season.
Braves Fantasy Analysis
Mark Schruender at http://www.fantasybaseballhotstove.blogspot.com has asked me to provide answers to a few questions regarding the Braves. Check it out at the link below and help defend my claim that Jordan Schafer is the next Grady Sizemore.
http://tinyurl.com/c93a8h
http://tinyurl.com/c93a8h
4/27: Final Roundup
Notes, Braves Minor League roundup, and NL East roundup for Monday (4/27).
Notes:
- After visiting an eye specialist on Monday, Brian McCann will begin a brief rehab stint on Tuesday at Myrtle Beach. He is expected to play only two games to test the new contact lenses he received from the doctor.
- Tom Glavine played catch on Sunday and Monday with slight discomfort in his shoulder. He is expected to throw a bullpen session sometime this week to determine where he is. If the session ends abruptly with pain, it could be for the last time. Glavine has stated that he will have no part in another rehab stint.
Minor Leagues:
The Braves farmhands had a rough Monday night, with three of the four losing, and the other having the night off. Several hitters went deep in losing efforts.
The Gwinnett Braves (6-12) had Monday off. They resume play with Norfolk on Tuesday.
The Mississippi Braves (9-9) had strong offensive performances but fell short to West Tennessee, 6-5. Greg Creek went 4-4 with two RBIs, Kody Kirkland hit a solo homer, and Gorkys Hernandez added an RBI. Scott Diamond allowed four runs in five innings, striking out six. Jeff Lyman was charged with the loss by allowing two unearned runs, including the game-winner in the ninth.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7-12) fell to Lynchburg, 5-4. Freddie Freeman had a homer and two RBIs, and Cole Miles and Robert Marcial added an RBI each. Cody Johnson picked up two hits. Jason Heyward sat again. Erik Cordier pitched two scoreless innings. Casey Hodges gave up three runs in three innings. Michael Broadway continued to struggle by allowing two runs in two innings.
The Rome Braves (9-9) lost to Augusta, 9-5. Gerardo Rodriguez had a homer and three RBIs. Stephen Shults added a solo homer. Joel Campusano picked up two hits and an RBI. Paul Clemens gave up four earned runs in four and a third innings. Angelo Paulino allowed three runs.
NL East:
The Marlins (11-8) dropped a seventh straight game, falling to the Mets, 7-1. Jorge Cantu had the lone Marlin RBI, and they recorded just two hits as a team. Anibal Sanchez allowed six runs in six innings.
The Phillies (10-8) got to within a half game of the Marlins by outslugging the Nationals, 13-11. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez each hit a grand slam. Jimmy Rollins added three hits and an RBI. Joe Blanton allowed six runs in four and a third innings.
The Mets (9-10) cruised past the Marlins, 7-1. Omir Santos went deep for a grand slam. David Wright, Ryan Church, and Gary Sheffield each had an RBI. John Maine allowed one unearned run in six innings.
The Nationals (4-14) dropped a slamfest to the Phillies, 13-11. Ryan Zimmerman, Nick Johnson, and Adam Dunn all went deep. Shairon Martis allowed seven runs in five innings.
Notes:
- After visiting an eye specialist on Monday, Brian McCann will begin a brief rehab stint on Tuesday at Myrtle Beach. He is expected to play only two games to test the new contact lenses he received from the doctor.
- Tom Glavine played catch on Sunday and Monday with slight discomfort in his shoulder. He is expected to throw a bullpen session sometime this week to determine where he is. If the session ends abruptly with pain, it could be for the last time. Glavine has stated that he will have no part in another rehab stint.
Minor Leagues:
The Braves farmhands had a rough Monday night, with three of the four losing, and the other having the night off. Several hitters went deep in losing efforts.
The Gwinnett Braves (6-12) had Monday off. They resume play with Norfolk on Tuesday.
The Mississippi Braves (9-9) had strong offensive performances but fell short to West Tennessee, 6-5. Greg Creek went 4-4 with two RBIs, Kody Kirkland hit a solo homer, and Gorkys Hernandez added an RBI. Scott Diamond allowed four runs in five innings, striking out six. Jeff Lyman was charged with the loss by allowing two unearned runs, including the game-winner in the ninth.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7-12) fell to Lynchburg, 5-4. Freddie Freeman had a homer and two RBIs, and Cole Miles and Robert Marcial added an RBI each. Cody Johnson picked up two hits. Jason Heyward sat again. Erik Cordier pitched two scoreless innings. Casey Hodges gave up three runs in three innings. Michael Broadway continued to struggle by allowing two runs in two innings.
The Rome Braves (9-9) lost to Augusta, 9-5. Gerardo Rodriguez had a homer and three RBIs. Stephen Shults added a solo homer. Joel Campusano picked up two hits and an RBI. Paul Clemens gave up four earned runs in four and a third innings. Angelo Paulino allowed three runs.
NL East:
The Marlins (11-8) dropped a seventh straight game, falling to the Mets, 7-1. Jorge Cantu had the lone Marlin RBI, and they recorded just two hits as a team. Anibal Sanchez allowed six runs in six innings.
The Phillies (10-8) got to within a half game of the Marlins by outslugging the Nationals, 13-11. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez each hit a grand slam. Jimmy Rollins added three hits and an RBI. Joe Blanton allowed six runs in four and a third innings.
The Mets (9-10) cruised past the Marlins, 7-1. Omir Santos went deep for a grand slam. David Wright, Ryan Church, and Gary Sheffield each had an RBI. John Maine allowed one unearned run in six innings.
The Nationals (4-14) dropped a slamfest to the Phillies, 13-11. Ryan Zimmerman, Nick Johnson, and Adam Dunn all went deep. Shairon Martis allowed seven runs in five innings.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Cardinals 3, Braves 2
A pitching duel between Joel Pineiro and Jair Jurrjens went six innings and resulted in two runs allowed by each. The Cardinals were able to inch by with a late run to win 3-2.
The Cardinals jumped to an early lead with runs in the first and second innings on RBI singles by Chris Duncan and Rick Ankiel. The Braves cut the lead in half in the home half of the second on an RBI double by David Ross.
Ankiel extended the lead back to two in the seventh on an RBI single, which proved to be crucial after the Braves scored a run in the home half on a sac fly RBI by Jeff Francoeur. The Braves left the bases loaded in the eighth and the Cardinals held on for the one-run win.
Jurrjens went six, allowing two runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two. Peter Moylan allowed a run in the seventh. Rafael Soriano struck out two in a scoreless eighth. Jeff Bennett, Eric O' Flaherty, and Buddy Carlyle combined for a scoreless ninth.
Francoeur and Ross each picked up an RBI. Casey Kotchman had three hits, two of which were doubles.
Pineiro allowed two runs on seven hits in six and two-thirds innings, not walking any and striking out one. Kyle McClellan walked two and allowed a hit but pitched a scoreless eighth. Ryan Franklin pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
Ankiel had two hits and two RBIs. Duncan recorded the other RBI. Albert Pujols went 1-5 with two strikeouts. Jurrjens and Moylan shared the honors with a strikeout each.
Kyle Lohse and Jo-Jo Reyes will do battle on Tuesday night starting at 7:00.
Notes:
- Casey Kotchman had three of the Braves' eight hits from the clean up spot, scoring once. The one time he did get out resulted in leaving the bases loaded in the eighth.
- Kelly Johnson is 4-35.
- The Braves have scored 15 runs in the five games Jair Jurrjens has started.
- News is expected on Brian McCann's condition by tomorrow.
The Cardinals jumped to an early lead with runs in the first and second innings on RBI singles by Chris Duncan and Rick Ankiel. The Braves cut the lead in half in the home half of the second on an RBI double by David Ross.
Ankiel extended the lead back to two in the seventh on an RBI single, which proved to be crucial after the Braves scored a run in the home half on a sac fly RBI by Jeff Francoeur. The Braves left the bases loaded in the eighth and the Cardinals held on for the one-run win.
Jurrjens went six, allowing two runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two. Peter Moylan allowed a run in the seventh. Rafael Soriano struck out two in a scoreless eighth. Jeff Bennett, Eric O' Flaherty, and Buddy Carlyle combined for a scoreless ninth.
Francoeur and Ross each picked up an RBI. Casey Kotchman had three hits, two of which were doubles.
Pineiro allowed two runs on seven hits in six and two-thirds innings, not walking any and striking out one. Kyle McClellan walked two and allowed a hit but pitched a scoreless eighth. Ryan Franklin pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
Ankiel had two hits and two RBIs. Duncan recorded the other RBI. Albert Pujols went 1-5 with two strikeouts. Jurrjens and Moylan shared the honors with a strikeout each.
Kyle Lohse and Jo-Jo Reyes will do battle on Tuesday night starting at 7:00.
Notes:
- Casey Kotchman had three of the Braves' eight hits from the clean up spot, scoring once. The one time he did get out resulted in leaving the bases loaded in the eighth.
- Kelly Johnson is 4-35.
- The Braves have scored 15 runs in the five games Jair Jurrjens has started.
- News is expected on Brian McCann's condition by tomorrow.
4/27-4/29: Cardinals @ Braves Series Preview
After an up and down road trip, the Braves head home to begin an eight-game homestand in Atlanta. They start the homestand by hosting the upstart St. Louis Cardinals.
The Braves experienced a rollercoaster of a road trip, getting shut out two days in a row in Pittsburgh before winning the final game, 11-1. They then lost two in a row in Washington by one run before winning the final game on a walk-in run, 1-0. The only normal series was Cincinnati, in which they won the first two before the Reds avoided the sweep on Sunday. They also experienced the disabling of both Brian McCann and Garret Anderson for 15 days.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, have been a model of consistency. They swept the Mets and took two of three over the Cubs in their last two series. Albert Pujols has vaulted himself into legendary status with the media due to his amazing start, and the rest of the team has thrived around him. The Cardinals currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Pirates at 13-6.
(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
4/27 - 7:00
Joel Pineiro (3-0, 4.12...0-1, 8.44 in 2 starts, 5 total games)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (2-1, 1.42...0-1, 3.86 in 1 start)
Joel Pineiro has been a pleasant surprise for the Cards so far. His most recent start was eight innings of two-run ball against the Mets. He doesn't strike many out but induces a large amount of groundouts. Pineiro has had a rough past against the Braves, allowing 15 runs in 16 innings. Jair Jurrjens is riding a huge wave right now, allowing just one run in 14.1 innings, combining his starts against the Pirates and Nationals. Offensive production in his starts have been the only concern when he takes the mound.
4/28 - 7:00
Kyle Lohse (3-0, 2.42...2-1, 5.02 in 5 starts)
vs.
Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 7.94...0-2, 4.24 in 3 starts)
Kyle Lohse has dominated in his four starts for the Cards, including a complete game shutout against the Astros. The most runs he has allowed in any start is four, and the second most is two. Lohse has found a home in St. Louis, recording career highs in his first season as a Cardinal last year. He has been battling knee trouble but is scheduled to make the start. Jo-Jo Reyes will make his second start after allowing five runs against the Pirates in his first.
4/29 - 7:00
Adam Wainwright (2-0, 2.70...3-0, 1.13 in 3 starts, 6 total games)
vs.
Javier Vazquez (2-1, 2.63...2-6, 4.01 in 9 starts)
Adam Wainwright continues to show the Braves up. He is 2-0 in four starts, allowing just one earned run in seven innings against the Cubs in his most recent start. He has struck out at least six in three of his four starts. Wainwright has dominated the Braves as well, allowing just three runs in 24 innings. Javier Vazquez has been a model of consistency through four starts, going exactly six innings in each start and allowing no more than three runs in each one. He is currently fourth in the NL with 34 strikeouts.
Key Cardinals Relievers:
Ryan Franklin (8 IP, 0 ER, 5 SV...13 IP, 8 ER)
Kyle McClellan (10 IP, 2 ER, 1 SV...2.2 IP, 2 ER)
Jason Motte (8.1 IP, 5 ER, 3 HLD)
Key Cardinals Hitters:
Albert Pujols (.343, 7 HR, 25 RBI....372, 15 HR, 44 RBI in 49 games)
Ryan Ludwick (.333, 5 HR, 19 RBI....320, 0 HR, 6 RBI in 16 games)
Yadier Molina (.344, 2 HR, 11 RBI....315, 0 HR, 10 RBI in 21 games)
Cardinals Injuries:
Chris Carpenter (1-0, 0.00...15-day, oblique)
Troy Glaus (15-day, shoulder surgery)
Notes:
- Albert Pujols is 9-20, 3 HR, 11 RBI in last 6 games
- Blaine Boyer as a Cardinal: 1.2 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
- The Cardinals have won seven of their last nine against the Braves
The Braves experienced a rollercoaster of a road trip, getting shut out two days in a row in Pittsburgh before winning the final game, 11-1. They then lost two in a row in Washington by one run before winning the final game on a walk-in run, 1-0. The only normal series was Cincinnati, in which they won the first two before the Reds avoided the sweep on Sunday. They also experienced the disabling of both Brian McCann and Garret Anderson for 15 days.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, have been a model of consistency. They swept the Mets and took two of three over the Cubs in their last two series. Albert Pujols has vaulted himself into legendary status with the media due to his amazing start, and the rest of the team has thrived around him. The Cardinals currently sit 1.5 games ahead of the Pirates at 13-6.
(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
4/27 - 7:00
Joel Pineiro (3-0, 4.12...0-1, 8.44 in 2 starts, 5 total games)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (2-1, 1.42...0-1, 3.86 in 1 start)
Joel Pineiro has been a pleasant surprise for the Cards so far. His most recent start was eight innings of two-run ball against the Mets. He doesn't strike many out but induces a large amount of groundouts. Pineiro has had a rough past against the Braves, allowing 15 runs in 16 innings. Jair Jurrjens is riding a huge wave right now, allowing just one run in 14.1 innings, combining his starts against the Pirates and Nationals. Offensive production in his starts have been the only concern when he takes the mound.
4/28 - 7:00
Kyle Lohse (3-0, 2.42...2-1, 5.02 in 5 starts)
vs.
Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 7.94...0-2, 4.24 in 3 starts)
Kyle Lohse has dominated in his four starts for the Cards, including a complete game shutout against the Astros. The most runs he has allowed in any start is four, and the second most is two. Lohse has found a home in St. Louis, recording career highs in his first season as a Cardinal last year. He has been battling knee trouble but is scheduled to make the start. Jo-Jo Reyes will make his second start after allowing five runs against the Pirates in his first.
4/29 - 7:00
Adam Wainwright (2-0, 2.70...3-0, 1.13 in 3 starts, 6 total games)
vs.
Javier Vazquez (2-1, 2.63...2-6, 4.01 in 9 starts)
Adam Wainwright continues to show the Braves up. He is 2-0 in four starts, allowing just one earned run in seven innings against the Cubs in his most recent start. He has struck out at least six in three of his four starts. Wainwright has dominated the Braves as well, allowing just three runs in 24 innings. Javier Vazquez has been a model of consistency through four starts, going exactly six innings in each start and allowing no more than three runs in each one. He is currently fourth in the NL with 34 strikeouts.
Key Cardinals Relievers:
Ryan Franklin (8 IP, 0 ER, 5 SV...13 IP, 8 ER)
Kyle McClellan (10 IP, 2 ER, 1 SV...2.2 IP, 2 ER)
Jason Motte (8.1 IP, 5 ER, 3 HLD)
Key Cardinals Hitters:
Albert Pujols (.343, 7 HR, 25 RBI....372, 15 HR, 44 RBI in 49 games)
Ryan Ludwick (.333, 5 HR, 19 RBI....320, 0 HR, 6 RBI in 16 games)
Yadier Molina (.344, 2 HR, 11 RBI....315, 0 HR, 10 RBI in 21 games)
Cardinals Injuries:
Chris Carpenter (1-0, 0.00...15-day, oblique)
Troy Glaus (15-day, shoulder surgery)
Notes:
- Albert Pujols is 9-20, 3 HR, 11 RBI in last 6 games
- Blaine Boyer as a Cardinal: 1.2 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
- The Cardinals have won seven of their last nine against the Braves
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Reds 8, Braves 2
Micah Owings pitched seven solid innings and Jay Bruce belted two homers as the Reds avoided the sweep with a 8-2 win over the Braves.
The game remained scoreless through three, but Bruce broke the tie in the fourth with a two-run home run. The Reds broke it open in the fifth on a three-run double by Joey Votto, followed by an RBI single by Brandon Phillips and a second two-run home run by Bruce.
The Braves were able to tack on a couple of late runs. David Ross hit a solo homer in the seventh and Brandon Jones drove in a run in the eighth on an infield single.
Kenshin Kawakami cruised through three but fell apart in the fourth and fifth. He pitched four and two-thirds, allowing eight runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out one. Buddy Carlyle pitched a scoreless inning and a third. James Parr pitched two scoreless innings.
In his first start of the season, B. Jones picked up two hits and an RBI. Ross recorded the other RBI on a homer. Chipper Jones had three hits, including a double. Yunel Escobar added two hits.
Owings went seven, allowing one run on six hits while walking three and striking out six. Jared Burton allowed a run in the eighth. Danny Herrera pitched a scoreless ninth.
Bruce went 3-3 with two home runs and four RBIs. Votto added two hits and three RBIs. Phillips picked up the eighth RBI. Owings and Ramon Hernandez each had two hits.
The Braves head home to host the Cardinals on Monday starting at 7:00. Joel Pineiro faces Jair Jurrjens.
Notes:
- Micah Owings' two hits raised his average to .400 on the season.
- Kensin Kawakami held the Reds hitless until a one-out double by Joey Votto in the fourth.
- After going 0-5 on his birthday in the first game of the series, Chipper Jones rebounded for five hits in eight at bats, including a homer and four RBIs, in the final two games in Cincinnati.
The game remained scoreless through three, but Bruce broke the tie in the fourth with a two-run home run. The Reds broke it open in the fifth on a three-run double by Joey Votto, followed by an RBI single by Brandon Phillips and a second two-run home run by Bruce.
The Braves were able to tack on a couple of late runs. David Ross hit a solo homer in the seventh and Brandon Jones drove in a run in the eighth on an infield single.
Kenshin Kawakami cruised through three but fell apart in the fourth and fifth. He pitched four and two-thirds, allowing eight runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out one. Buddy Carlyle pitched a scoreless inning and a third. James Parr pitched two scoreless innings.
In his first start of the season, B. Jones picked up two hits and an RBI. Ross recorded the other RBI on a homer. Chipper Jones had three hits, including a double. Yunel Escobar added two hits.
Owings went seven, allowing one run on six hits while walking three and striking out six. Jared Burton allowed a run in the eighth. Danny Herrera pitched a scoreless ninth.
Bruce went 3-3 with two home runs and four RBIs. Votto added two hits and three RBIs. Phillips picked up the eighth RBI. Owings and Ramon Hernandez each had two hits.
The Braves head home to host the Cardinals on Monday starting at 7:00. Joel Pineiro faces Jair Jurrjens.
Notes:
- Micah Owings' two hits raised his average to .400 on the season.
- Kensin Kawakami held the Reds hitless until a one-out double by Joey Votto in the fourth.
- After going 0-5 on his birthday in the first game of the series, Chipper Jones rebounded for five hits in eight at bats, including a homer and four RBIs, in the final two games in Cincinnati.
4/25: Final Roundup
Braves Minor League roundup and NL East roundup for Saturday (4/25).
Minor League Roundup:
Saturday's games around the Braves farm system were highlighted by solid pitching performances. Kris Medlen, Jonathan Venters, Jeff Locke, and Ezekial Spruill all had great outings, especially Locke, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. However, only Rome turned the great pitching into a win.
The Gwinnett Braves (5-12) lost to Charlotte, 8-5. Brooks Conrad and Van Pope each hit a solo homer, and Gregor Blanco and Reid Gorecki added an RBI each. Kris Medlen allowed two runs on six hits in four innings, walking three and striking out four. Vladimir Nunez gave up two earned runs in an inning and a third. Boone Logan, Francisley Bueno, and Manny Acosta each gave up a run. (Season Stat Highlight - Kris Medlen: 2-0, 2.04, 4 BB, 20 K)
The Mississippi Braves (8-8) lost to West Tennessee, 3-1. Gorkys Hernandez recorded the lone RBI. Concepcion Rodriguez added two hits. Jonathan Venters allowed one earned run, two total, on just two hits in five and a third innings, walking three and striking out five. Brett Butts allowed a run in two and two-thirds innings. (Season Stat Highlight - Jonathan Venters: 0-1, 1.96, 9 BB, 16 K)
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (6-11) fell victim to a late comeback by Salem, losing 3-2. Freddie Freeman hit a solo homer and Jason Heyward added an RBI. Jeff Locke took a no-hitter into the seventh, allowing one run on two hits in six and two-thirds innings, walking two and striking out seven. Michael Broadway allowed a run in an inning and a third. Thomas Palica gave up the winning run in the ninth. (Season Stat Highlight - Freddie Freeman: .290, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 3 BB, 8 K)
The Rome Braves (9-7) beat Augusta, 4-3. Gerardo Rodriguez had two hits, a home run, and two RBIs. Joel Campusano added an RBI. Stephen Shults picked up two hits, including a double. C.J. Lee added two hits. Ezekial Spruill allowed one run on six hits in six innings, walking one and striking out six. J.J. Hoover allowed one earned run in two innings. (Season Stat Highlight - Ezekial Spruill: 3-0, 1.71, 1 BB, 20 K)
NL East Roundup:
The Marlins (11-6) lost a fifth straight, falling to the Phillies in extras, 6-4. Jorge Cantu hit a three-run home run. Dan Uggla added a solo homer. John Baker and Hanley Ramirez each had two hits. Chris Volstad gave up two earned runs in seven innings, striking out six. Leo Nunez allowed the tying run in the ninth. Logan Kensing gave up the winning runs in the tenth.
The Phillies (8-8) beat the Marlins in extras, 6-4. Chan Ho Park helped his own cause with a solo homer. Ryan Howard had two hits and a homer. Jayson Werth, Chase Utley, and Eric Bruntlett each drove in a run. Park gave up four runs in seven innings.
The Mets (8-9) took a second straight from the Nationals, 8-2. Ryan Church recorded two hits and three RBIs. Carlos Beltran picked up three hits and an RBI. Mike Pelfrey allowed two runs in five and two-thirds innings.
The Nationals (3-13) lost to the Mets, 8-2. Elijah Dukes had two hits, including a triple, and two RBIs. Daniel Cabrera lasted just two and a third innings, giving up five runs, only one earned. Jason Bergmann gave up two earned runs in three and a third innings.
Minor League Roundup:
Saturday's games around the Braves farm system were highlighted by solid pitching performances. Kris Medlen, Jonathan Venters, Jeff Locke, and Ezekial Spruill all had great outings, especially Locke, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. However, only Rome turned the great pitching into a win.
The Gwinnett Braves (5-12) lost to Charlotte, 8-5. Brooks Conrad and Van Pope each hit a solo homer, and Gregor Blanco and Reid Gorecki added an RBI each. Kris Medlen allowed two runs on six hits in four innings, walking three and striking out four. Vladimir Nunez gave up two earned runs in an inning and a third. Boone Logan, Francisley Bueno, and Manny Acosta each gave up a run. (Season Stat Highlight - Kris Medlen: 2-0, 2.04, 4 BB, 20 K)
The Mississippi Braves (8-8) lost to West Tennessee, 3-1. Gorkys Hernandez recorded the lone RBI. Concepcion Rodriguez added two hits. Jonathan Venters allowed one earned run, two total, on just two hits in five and a third innings, walking three and striking out five. Brett Butts allowed a run in two and two-thirds innings. (Season Stat Highlight - Jonathan Venters: 0-1, 1.96, 9 BB, 16 K)
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (6-11) fell victim to a late comeback by Salem, losing 3-2. Freddie Freeman hit a solo homer and Jason Heyward added an RBI. Jeff Locke took a no-hitter into the seventh, allowing one run on two hits in six and two-thirds innings, walking two and striking out seven. Michael Broadway allowed a run in an inning and a third. Thomas Palica gave up the winning run in the ninth. (Season Stat Highlight - Freddie Freeman: .290, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 3 BB, 8 K)
The Rome Braves (9-7) beat Augusta, 4-3. Gerardo Rodriguez had two hits, a home run, and two RBIs. Joel Campusano added an RBI. Stephen Shults picked up two hits, including a double. C.J. Lee added two hits. Ezekial Spruill allowed one run on six hits in six innings, walking one and striking out six. J.J. Hoover allowed one earned run in two innings. (Season Stat Highlight - Ezekial Spruill: 3-0, 1.71, 1 BB, 20 K)
NL East Roundup:
The Marlins (11-6) lost a fifth straight, falling to the Phillies in extras, 6-4. Jorge Cantu hit a three-run home run. Dan Uggla added a solo homer. John Baker and Hanley Ramirez each had two hits. Chris Volstad gave up two earned runs in seven innings, striking out six. Leo Nunez allowed the tying run in the ninth. Logan Kensing gave up the winning runs in the tenth.
The Phillies (8-8) beat the Marlins in extras, 6-4. Chan Ho Park helped his own cause with a solo homer. Ryan Howard had two hits and a homer. Jayson Werth, Chase Utley, and Eric Bruntlett each drove in a run. Park gave up four runs in seven innings.
The Mets (8-9) took a second straight from the Nationals, 8-2. Ryan Church recorded two hits and three RBIs. Carlos Beltran picked up three hits and an RBI. Mike Pelfrey allowed two runs in five and two-thirds innings.
The Nationals (3-13) lost to the Mets, 8-2. Elijah Dukes had two hits, including a triple, and two RBIs. Daniel Cabrera lasted just two and a third innings, giving up five runs, only one earned. Jason Bergmann gave up two earned runs in three and a third innings.
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