9/5: Reds @ Braves Game Preview

September 5, 2009 - 7:10 (SportSouth)
Reds (61-73) vs. Braves (70-65)
@


Kip Wells (0-3, 5.48 ERA, 30 BB, 32 K, 1.48 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 1-3, 3.47 ERA in 7 starts, 9 total games
vs.

Jair Jurrjens (10-9, 2.89 ERA, 61 BB, 122 K, 1.26 WHIP)
Career vs. Reds: 0-1, 9.95 ERA in 2 starts

Braves vs. Wells:
Chipper Jones: 3-24, HR, 4 RBI
Adam LaRoche: 3-14, RBI
Garret Anderson: 4-10, 2 RBI
Brian McCann: 3-4, HR, 4 RBI

Reds vs. Jurrjens:
Brandon Phillips: 2-4, HR
Scott Rolen: 1-3
Joey Votto: 0-1

Season Series:
3-4 (Last Game: 9/4, L 3-1)

What to Look For:
Kip Wells previously worked out of the bullpen with the Nationals until the Reds traded for him and put him back in the rotation. He reached six innings for the first time in his last start against the Pirates, allowing two runs on two hits over the six innings. Wells' one appearance against the Braves this season was a scoreless inning in April. Jair Jurrjens has terrible career numbers against the Reds due to one bad start last season. His one appearance against the Reds this season is two innings of one-run ball due to a rain delay. Jurrjens allowed two earned runs in seven innings against the Phillies in his last start. The Braves are trying to avoid losing four games in a row for the first time in 10 weeks.

Gametime News:
Yunel Escobar is expected to miss at least a couple games with the sprained ankle.

Reds 3, Braves 1

The Braves seriously scored one run off Bronson Arroyo. I think it has to take more effort to only score one run than to score nine off him.

Bobby Cox (AP - John Bazemore)

The Reds started the scoring in the second on a loooong solo homer by Jonny Gomes. The game remained 1-0 until the sixth, when Brandon Phillips doubled in a run and Scott Rolen singled in a run. Nate McLouth filled Yunel Escobar's spot after he left and hit a solo homer in the sixth to cut the lead to two, where it stayed.

Derek Lowe: L (13-9), 7 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Peter Moylan: 1 IP, H, BB, K
Kenshin Kawakami: 1 IP, K

Derek Lowe was actually pretty efficient for the first time in a while, throwing only 97 pitches over seven innings. He continued to give up hits or walks in every inning but they were scattered well. His only perfect innings were his first and last ones. The sixth was his only bad inning and even then he induced a double play to end it. Kenshin Kawakami pitched a perfect ninth in his first outing as a reliever.

Nate McLouth: HR

The Braves had just six hits, grounded into two double plays, and was picked off at second base once. Their lone chance came in the first when they loaded the bases with no outs. However, Brian McCann grounded into a double play and Adam LaRoche flied out. Escobar left the game in the fourth with a sprained ankle after lunging at the first base bag like a little leaguer. He was called out of the base line by running on the edge of the grass when Arroyo hit him in the head with the throw. This rule is probably in my top three most inconsistent rules in all of sports. Opponents of the Braves have done much worse when running down the line this season and have not been called out when it hit them. The rule desperately needs changing, and Bobby Cox knows it because he was thrown out because of it. You can tell he's sick of the rule too. Matt Diaz had two hits and McLouth had the lone RBI on the solo homer after replacing Escobar in the lineup.

Notable Reds:
Bronson Arroyo: W (12-12), 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Jonny Gomes: 2-4, HR

Notable Stat:
The Braves aren't a playoff team.

Next Game:
9/5: Reds, 7:10 (Kip Wells vs. Jair Jurrjens)

9/4: Reds @ Braves Game Preview

September 4, 2009 - 7:30 (SportSouth)
Reds (60-73) vs. Braves (70-64)
@


Bronson Arroyo (11-12, 4.35 ERA, 57 BB, 97 K, 1.36 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 4-3, 6.50 ERA in 10 starts, 11 total games
vs.

Derek Lowe (13-8, 4.38 ERA, 50 BB, 87 K, 1.46 WHIP)
Career vs. Reds: 4-1, 2.79 ERA in 4 starts, 5 total games

Season Series:
3-3 (Last Game: 6/18, W 7-0)

What to Look For:
The Braves get to see old friend Bronson Arroyo for the second time this season. He last faced the Braves on April 25 and allowed nine runs in 5.2 innings. Just look at his career numbers against the Braves to see why I call him an old friend. However, Arroyo has been lights out lately, giving up a total of four runs in his last four starts, though he is only 1-1 in that span. Derek Lowe has now gone three straight starts without reaching six full innings. He did allow just one run and didn't walk any in 5.2 innings against the Phillies in his last start, but he allowed eight hits as well. Lowe faced Arroyo in their last matchup, and he allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings for the Braves win. Also worth noting is Lowe's eight strikeouts in that start, which is his season high.

Braves vs. Arroyo:
Chipper Jones: 11-23, 3 HR, 10 RBI
Adam LaRoche: 4-17, HR, 2 RBI
Brian McCann: 4-9, 2 HR, 5 RBI
Omar Infante: 3-12, 3 RBI
Ryan Church: 3-7, 4 RBI
Yunel Escobar: 3-5, HR, 4 RBI

Reds vs. Lowe:
Scott Rolen: 5-17, HR, 3 RBI
Brandon Phillips: 0-9
Joey Votto: 1-5

Matchup to Watch:
Bronson Arroyo vs. Braves Lineup

Gametime News:
Nate McLouth was expected to return, but according to the lineup posted he is not in. Ryan Church is in center, Omar Infante is in left, and Matt Diaz is in right.

9/4-9/6: Reds @ Braves Series Preview

@
Cincinnati Reds (60-73, 5th NL Central)
vs.
Atlanta Braves (70-64, T-2nd NL East)

The Braves return home for a weekend series with the Reds.

The Reds Lately:
Despite the record, the Reds have been riding high over the past week. They swept the Brewers in Milwaukee before losing two of three to the Dodgers. But they rebounded to take four straight over the Pirates in their most recent series. The Reds don't have much to play for but their play lately doesn't show it.

The Braves Lately:
The Braves most recently split a four-game series with the Marlins in Miami. After taking the first two games, the Braves gave up eight runs in each of the next two for losses. Any ground they gained in the wild card standings was given right back, as they now sit four games behind the Rockies.

9/4 - 7:30
Bronson Arroyo (11-12, 4.35 ERA, 57 BB, 97 K, 1.36 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 4-3, 6.50 ERA in 10 starts, 11 total games
vs.
Derek Lowe (13-8, 4.38 ERA, 50 BB, 87 K, 1.46 WHIP)
Career vs. Reds: 4-1, 2.79 ERA in 4 starts, 5 total games

The Braves get to see old friend Bronson Arroyo for the second time this season. He last faced the Braves on April 25 and allowed nine runs in 5.2 innings. Just look at his career numbers against the Braves to see why I call him an old friend. However, Arroyo has been lights out lately, giving up a total of four runs in his last four starts, though he is only 1-1 in that span. Derek Lowe has now gone three straight starts without reaching six full innings. He did allow just one run and didn't walk any in 5.2 innings against the Phillies in his last start, but he allowed eight hits as well. Lowe faced Arroyo in their last matchup, and he allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings for the Braves win. Also worth noting is Lowe's eight strikeouts in that start, which is his season high.

9/5 - 7:10
Kip Wells (0-3, 5.48 ERA, 30 BB, 32 K, 1.48 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 1-3, 3.47 ERA in 7 starts, 9 total games
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (10-9, 2.89 ERA, 61 BB, 122 K, 1.26 WHIP)
Career vs. Reds: 0-1, 9.95 ERA in 2 starts

Kip Wells previously worked out of the bullpen with the Nationals until the Reds traded for him and put him back in the rotation. He reached six innings for the first time in his last start against the Pirates, allowing two runs on two hits over the six innings. Wells' one appearance against the Braves this season was a scoreless inning in April. Jair Jurrjens has terrible career numbers against the Reds due to one bad start last season. His one appearance against the Reds this season is two innings of one-run ball due to a rain delay. Jurrjens allowed two earned runs in seven innings against the Phillies in his last start.

9/6 - 1:30
Johnny Cueto (9-10, 4.51 ERA, 47 BB, 107 K, 1.36 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 1-0, 2.57 ERA in 1 start
vs.
Tim Hudson (1-0, 3.38 ERA, 3 BB, 5 K, 1.69 WHIP)
Career vs. Reds: 3-1, 3.57 ERA in 5 starts

Johnny Cueto's season continues to cause seasickness. After giving up seven runs to the Nationals, Cueto rebounded to allow one run on three hits in five innings against the Pirates in his last start. He has yet to face the Braves this year. Tim Hudson makes his second start of the season after a promising outing against the Marlins, allowing two runs on six hits in 5.1 innings.

Key Reds Relievers:
CL - Francisco Cordero (55.1 IP, 2.28 ERA, 30 SV)
Career vs. Braves: 16 IP, 2.25 ERA, 5 SV
SU - Arthur Rhodes (46 IP, 2.54 ERA, 21 HLD)
Career vs. Braves: 15.2 IP, 1.15 ERA, 7 HLD
MR - Nick Masset (61.1 IP, 2.64 ERA, 11 SV)
Career vs. Braves: 3.1 IP, 8.10 ERA, 2 HLD

Key Reds Hitters:
1B - Joey Votto (.305, 20 HR, 65 RBI)
Career vs. Braves: .250, 0 HR, 5 RBI in 9 games
2B - Brandon Phillips (.274, 19 HR, 84 RBI)
Career vs. Braves: .226, 4 HR, 16 RBI in 26 games
3B - Scott Rolen (.286, HR, 6 RBI)
Career vs. Braves: .286, 20 HR, 63 RBI in 117 games

9/3: Braves @ Marlins Game Preview

September 3, 2009 - 7:10 (SportSouth)
Braves (70-63) vs. Marlins (69-64)
@


Tommy Hanson
(9-3, 3.15 ERA, 32 BB, 73 K, 1.25 WHIP)
Career vs. Marlins: 1-0, 3.86 ERA in 1 start
vs.

Ricky Nolasco
(9-8, 5.30 ERA, 37 BB, 147 K, 1.32 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 1-4, 5.08 ERA in 9 starts, 10 total games

Braves vs. Nolasco:
Adam LaRoche: 7-26, RBI
Brian McCann: 9-25, 3 HR, 10 RBI
Chipper Jones: 10-20, 4 HR, 7 RBI
Ryan Church: 3-14, HR
Yunel Escobar: 6-18, HR, 3 RBI
Matt Diaz: 6-11

Marlins vs. Hanson:
Chris Coghlan: 0-2
Ross Gload: 0-3
Wes Helms: 1-3, 2B, RBI
Jeremy Hermida: 2-3, 2B
Hanley Ramirez: 0-2
Cody Ross: 0-3
Dan Uggla: 0-3

Season Series:
7-7 (Last Game: 9/2, L 8-7)

What to Look For:
Tommy Hanson should have plenty of stamina coming into this game after going only two innings in his last start due to rain. He gave up a run on two hits in the two innings against the Phillies but struck out four. His start previous to that was against the Marlins, in which he allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings. Ricky Nolasco's rollercoaster ride continues after giving up seven runs in his last two starts, including four runs in 4.1 innings against the Braves. He gave up three runs in 5.1 innings against the Padres in his most recent start. The Braves have had tons of success against Nolasco, namely Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, and Yunel Escobar. Advantage: Braves

Matchup to Watch:
Ricky Nolasco vs. Chipper Jones, Brian McCann

Marlins 8, Braves 7

Wes Helms! The Braves fought back to tie the game late, but Helms hit a homer in the ninth to win it for the Marlins.

The Braves scored two in the first on a sac fly RBI by Brian McCann and an RBI single by Adam LaRoche. Dan Uggla hit a two-run home run in the third to tie it at two. Yunel Escobar got the lead back in the fifth on an RBI single for a 3-2 lead.

The big inning came in the sixth for the Marlins. Brett Carroll doubled in three, Ross Gload sac flied a run in, and Jorge Cantu singled in a run for a 7-3 lead. But Chipper Jones put the Braves back in the game by clearing the bases on a double in the seventh to cut the lead to one. Escobar hit a solo homer in the ninth to tie it at seven. Helms hit a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth to win, 8-7.

Javier Vazquez: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, BB, 7 K
Kris Medlen: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, K
Mike Gonzalez: L (3-4), 0.1 IP, H, ER

Javier Vazquez had a rather strange outing. He loaded the bases in the first before striking out the next two to get out of it. He gave up the home run to Uggla in the third. He allowed a triple in the fifth to get out of it. Then, Vazquez hit a brick wall in the sixth due to throwing too many pitches. I can say this is the first time Bobby has left a starter in too long. Vazquez loaded the bases with one out before getting yanked for Kris Medlen. Bobby showed his confidence in Medlen even more but this time it backfired, as Medlen gave up all of Vazquez's runs and two of his own. The pen cruised until the ninth, when Mike Gonzalez allowed the homer to Helms to end it.

Yunel Escobar: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Chipper Jones: 3 RBI
Adam LaRoche: 3-5, RBI

Chipper was given the night off but came in as a pinch hitter for Ryan Church, and he went 1-2 with the three-run double. Church was 0-2 with a walk before getting pulled. In the seventh, the Braves put runners at the corners with two outs before Tim Wood plunked Matt Diaz on purpose, causing Diaz to take offense and say a few words to Wood. The plan worked for the Marlins as Martin Prado flied out to end the inning.

Notable Marlins:
Dan Uggla: 2-5, HR, 2 RBI

Notable Stat:
Braves LOB: 12

Next Game:
9/3: @ Marlins, 7:10 (Tommy Hanson vs. Ricky Nolasco)

Braves 4, Marlins 3

He's back. Tim Hudson pitched a solid 5.1 innings in his return to lead the Braves to a 4-3 win.

Tim Hudson (AP - Alan Diaz)

The Braves gave Hudson an early run to work with when Chipper Jones grounded into a double play to score a run. But Hudson gave it back in the home half on a two-run single by Jorge Cantu. The Braves tied it at two in the third on a balk that scored a run, and took the lead on a 420 foot RBI double by Brian McCann.

The Braves added an insurance run in the eighth on an RBI single by Garret Anderson for a 4-2 lead. Dan Uggla hit a solo homer in the ninth to cut the lead to one, but Rafael Soriano held on for the win.

Tim Hudson: W (1-0), 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Peter Moylan: H (21), 0.2 IP
Kris Medlen: H (1), 1 IP, 2 K
Mike Gonzalez: H (14), 1 IP, H, 2 K
Rafael Soriano: S (21), 1 IP, H, ER, BB, K

Hudson struggled in the first inning but cruised for the next four, allowing a couple baserunners in the third and one in the fifth but none ever threatening to score. He ran out of gas in the sixth and loaded the bases on a double and two walks. Peter Moylan relieved him and bailed him out with a double play. Bobby showed his confidence in Kris Medlen by letting him pitch the seventh, and he struck out two in a perfect inning for his first hold. The move also means back to the LOOGY role for Eric O' Flaherty. Mike Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth. Soriano gave up a homer in the ninth but shut the door after.

Brian McCann: 2-4, RBI

The Braves scattered out their nine hits pretty well. McCann and Anderson had the lone RBIs, and McCann and Matt Diaz each had two hits. Ryan Church picked up a hit as a pinch hitter, meaning he will more than likely return to the lineup tonight, though I don't see him doing any better than Omar Infante.

Notable Marlins:
Jorge Cantu: 3-4, 2 RBI

Notable Stat:
Hudson's career ERA against the Marlins is the second lowest among active pitchers: 2.68 ERA.

Next Game:
9/2: @ Marlins, 7:10 (Javier Vazquez vs. Rick VandenHurk)

Expanded Rosters; McLouth and Church News

The Braves have called up Brooks Conrad, Luis Valdez, and Clint Sammons due to the expanded rosters. No surprises. Hopefully Conrad can get some at bats and not just rot on the bench the rest of the season. I like him. Hopefully Valdez never pitches.

Also, Brian Barton cleared waivers and was sent outright to Gwinnett to make room for Tim Hudson. Hudson is going through the motions in his first start so far. Just good to see him back.

Nate McLouth plans to play for Rome Thursday, and if all goes well we will see him back in Atlanta on Friday. Ryan Church plans to return to the lineup Wednesday.

As I stated on Twitter, tonight's game recap will come tomorrow because of the late start.

9/1: Braves @ Marlins Game Preview

September 1, 2009 - 7:10 (SportSouth)
Braves (69-62) vs. Marlins (68-63)
@


Tim Hudson
Career vs. Marlins: 7-2, 2.63 ERA in 13 starts
vs.

Anibal Sanchez
(2-5, 4.96 ERA, 23 BB, 37 K, 1.72 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 3-3, 4.54 ERA in 7 starts

Braves vs. Sanchez:
Ryan Church: 9-19, 4 2B, HR, 4 RBI
Brian McCann: 4-13, HR, 3 RBI
Yunel Escobar: 3-12
Omar Infante: 1-10, RBI
Adam LaRoche: 3-11, RBI
Garret Anderson: 2-4, 2 2B
Martin Prado: 2-5, RBI

Marlins vs. Hudson:
Hanley Ramirez: 9-29, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Dan Uggla: 9-29, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Jeremy Hermida: 1-12, RBI
Jorge Cantu: 3-8, RBI
Cody Ross: 1-8

Season Series:
6-6 (Last Game: 8/31, W 5-2)

What to Look For:
It seems like Hudson hasn't even been gone that long, but he is making his first start since July 23, 2008, which was six shutout innings against the Marlins. First start in the majors since surgery...you just don't know how he'll respond. He is scheduled to face Anibal Sanchez, who allowed one run on two hits in six innings against the Braves on August 21. It was his first start since June. However, his most recent start was four runs, two earned, on eight hits in 3.2 innings against the Mets. Advantage: Marlins

Matchup to Watch:
Tim Hudson vs. Hanley Ramirez

Braves 5, Marlins 2

Three runs in the seventh and two in the eighth was enough for the Braves to beat Josh Johnson and the Marlins, 5-2.

Omar Infante (AP - Alan Diaz)

The Marlins started the scoring in the second on a sac fly RBI by Dan Uggla. The Marlins remained on top 1-0 until the seventh, when Omar Infante lined a two-out, two-run triple to left center. David Ross followed up by driving in Infante on a single for a two-run lead.

The Braves added a couple insurance runs in the eighth on RBI singles by Adam LaRoche and Yunel Escobar. The Marlins got a run back in the ninth on an RBI double by Uggla, but the door was shut with a three-run lead.

Kenshin Kawakami: W (7-10), 6 IP, 6 H, ER, 5 K
Peter Moylan: H (20), 0.2 IP, BB
Eric O' Flaherty: H (14), 0.1 IP, K
Mike Gonzalez: 1 IP
Rafael Soriano: 1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 K

Kenshin Kawakami got his revenge on the Marlins after two rough starts. He pitched six strong innings, never allowing the Marlins to threaten due to two double plays. He didn't walk any and only threw 75 pitches over the six innings. Not bad for a "spot start." Rafael Soriano gave up a run in the ninth but struck out two and left a runner in scoring position.

Omar Infante: 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI
Yunel Escobar: 2-3, RBI

The offense was dead through six innings, with the only hit coming on a Matt Diaz single in the sixth to break up the no-hitter. But something changed in the seventh, either Johnson ran out of gas or Kawakami cussed the offense out in Japanese and scared them into hitting the ball.

Notable Marlins:
Josh Johnson: L (13-4), 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Dan Uggla: 2-2, 2 RBI

Notable Stat:
This is the first win for the Braves in the first game of a series since a two-game series with the Nationals on August 11. Or if you only want to count a three-game series, it goes back to July 24 against the Brewers.

Next Game:
9/1: @ Marlins, 7:10 (Tim Hudson vs. Anibal Sanchez)

8/31: Braves @ Marlins Game Preview

August 31, 2009 - 7:10 (SportSouth)
Braves (68-62) vs. Marlins (68-62)
@


Kenshin Kawakami
(6-10, 4.08 ERA, 53 BB, 93 K, 1.36 WHIP)
Career vs. Marlins: 0-2, 8.44 ERA in 2 starts
vs.

Josh Johnson
(13-3, 3.04 ERA, 41 BB, 149 K, 1.11 WHIP)
Career vs. Braves: 4-1, 2.67 ERA in 9 starts, 10 total games

Braves vs. Johnson:
Chipper Jones: 7-23, RBI
Brian McCann: 5-24, HR, 2 RBI
Adam LaRoche: 3-9, RBI
Kelly Johnson: 4-10, RBI
Yunel Escobar: 1-10
Martin Prado: 1-10, RBI
Garret Anderson: 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI

Marlins vs. Kawakami:
Jorge Cantu: 1-4
Jeremy Hermida: 2-6, RBI
Hanley Ramirez: 2-6, 3B, HR, 2 RBI
Dan Uggla: 2-4, 2B, HR
Cody Ross: 2-3, HR, 4 RBI
Josh Johnson: 1-2, HR, 3 RBI

Season Series:
5-6 (Last Game: 8/23, W 7-5)

What to Look For:
Initially scheduled as Tim Hudson's return, the Braves will start Kenshin Kawakami on Monday and are pushing Hudson's start to Tuesday. With the Braves' injury problems, it makes sense to hold off activating Hudson until the rosters expand on Tuesday to prevent having to demote a position player for a day. Kawakami was bombed in his previous start against the Marlins, giving up six runs in 4.2 innings. He is coming off 5.1 innings, allowing four runs to the Padres. Josh Johnson allowed three runs in six innings in his last start against the Braves. He is coming off allowing three runs in six innings to the Mets. Advantage: Marlins

Matchup to Watch:
Kenshin Kawakami vs. Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Cody Ross

8/31-9/3: Braves @ Marlins Series Preview

@
Atlanta Braves (68-62, T-2nd NL East)
vs.
Florida Marlins (68-62, T-2nd NL East)

As was the case the last time these two teams met, the Braves and Marlins begin a four-game series with identical records and positions in the standings.

The Marlins Lately:
Since losing two of three to the Braves, the Marlins took two of three from the Mets and most recently dropped two of three to the Padres. The pitching staff gave up nine and seven runs in their two losses to the Padres. They currently sit eight games back in the East and 3.5 back in the Wild Card.

The Braves Lately:
The Braves have lost two straight series since winning two of three against the Marlins. Like the Marlins, the Braves lost two of three to the Padres and they most recently dropped two of three to the Phillies. They have an identical record to the Marlins, also sitting eight games back in the East and 3.5 back in the Wild Card.

(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
8/31 - 7:10
Kenshin Kawakami (6-10, 4.08 ERA...0-2, 8.44 ERA in 2 starts)
vs.
Josh Johnson (13-3, 3.04 ERA...4-1, 2.67 ERA in 9 starts, 10 total games)

Initially scheduled as Tim Hudson's return, the Braves will start Kenshin Kawakami on Monday and are pushing Hudson's start to Tuesday. With the Braves' injury problems, it makes sense to hold off activating Hudson until the rosters expand on Tuesday to prevent having to demote a position player for a day. Kawakami was bombed in his previous start against the Marlins, giving up six runs in 4.2 innings. He is coming off 5.1 innings, allowing four runs to the Padres. Josh Johnson allowed three runs in six innings in his last start against the Braves. He is coming off allowing three runs in six innings to the Mets. Advantage: Marlins

9/1 - 7:10
Tim Hudson
vs.
Anibal Sanchez (2-5, 4.96 ERA...3-3, 4.54 ERA in 7 starts)

It seems like Hudson hasn't even been gone that long, but he is making his first start since July 23, 2008, which was six shutout innings against the Marlins. He is scheduled to face Anibal Sanchez, who allowed one run on two hits in six innings against the Braves on August 21. It was his first start since June. However, his most recent start was four runs, two earned, on eight hits in 3.2 innings against the Mets. Advantage: Marlins

9/2 - 7:10
Javier Vazquez (11-9, 3.02 ERA...6-7, 4.72 ERA in 19 starts, 20 total games)
vs.
Rick VandenHurk (2-2, 5.12 ERA...2-0, 3.91 ERA in 5 starts, 6 total games)

After two straight rough starts, Javier Vazquez returned to form in his last start, pitching seven shutout innings in a win over the Padres. The Marlins counter with Rick VandenHurk, who makes his first start since August 16 after getting demoted. On the 16th, he allowed six runs in 5.2 innings to the Rockies. He does have one start against the Braves this season, allowing two runs in six innings in late July. Advantage: Braves

9/3 - 7:10
Tommy Hanson (9-3, 3.15 ERA...1-0, 3.86 ERA in 1 start)
vs.
Ricky Nolasco (9-8, 5.30 ERA...1-4, 5.08 ERA in 9 starts, 10 total games)

Tommy Hanson should have plenty of stamina coming into this game after going only two innings in his last start due to rain. He gave up a run on two hits in the two innings against the Phillies but struck out four. His start previous to that was against the Marlins, in which he allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings. Ricky Nolasco's rollercoaster ride continues after giving up seven runs in his last two starts, including four runs in 4.1 innings against the Braves. He gave up three runs in 5.1 innings against the Padres in his most recent start. Advantage: Braves

Key Marlins Relievers:
CL - Leo Nunez (57.1 IP, 3.77 ERA, 17 SV...7 IP, 1.29 ERA, 2 SV)
SU - Dan Meyer (49 IP, 2.94 ERA, 17 HLD...6.1 IP, 2.84 ERA, 3 HLD)
MR - Kiko Calero (49 IP, 2.20 ERA, 10 HLD...10.1 IP, 4.35 ERA, 4 HLD)

Key Marlins Hitters:
SS - Hanley Ramirez (.359, 19 HR, 85 RBI....265, 9 HR, 29 RBI in 65 games)
2B - Dan Uggla (.239, 23 HR, 67 RBI....282, 15 HR, 43 RBI in 64 games)
3B - Jorge Cantu (.274, 13 HR, 71 RBI....240, 2 HR, 19 RBI in 31 games)

Phillies 3, Braves 2

One more example of the Braves being the Braves. A day after bombing Cliff Lee for six runs, they couldn't do a thing with Joe Blanton, losing the rubber game 3-2.

The Braves got the ball rolling in the first on a solo homer by Martin Prado. The Phillies tied it in the fourth on a solo homer by Chase Utley. The deciding runs came in the seventh, when Chipper Jones committed an error that put two on. They scored on a two-run double by Carlos Ruiz, which was snow coned and dropped by Garret Anderson and initially scored an error.

Chipper drove in a run in the eighth to cut the lead to one. The Braves had two on and no outs in the inning, but Brian McCann grounded into a double play that went second to short to third. That killed any chance of tying the game.

Jair Jurrjens: W (10-9), 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Rafael Soriano: 1 IP, H, BB, 2 K

Jair Jurrjens deserved a better fate again. His one mistake was the Utley homer. The Chipper error and bad luck double led to the winning runs.

Martin Prado: 3-4, HR

The offense was dead. They walked four times off Blanton but couldn't do anything. Prado had three hits of the team's five hits, including the home run.

Notable Phillies:
Joe Blanton: W (9-6), 7 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 BB, 7 K

Notable Stat:
The Braves stink.

Next Game:
8/31: @ Marlins, 7:10 (Tim Hudson vs. Josh Johnson)

Braves 9, Phillies 1

Baseball is funny. That's all.

Garret Anderson (AP - Matt Slocum)

Derek Lowe pitched better than he has been (can't say good, though) and Cliff Lee got bombed. Just what I predicted, right? The Phillies started the scoring in the first with a solo homer by Chase Utley, which was the only run they would score. The Braves put five on the board in the fourth on a three-run home run by Garret Anderson and a two-run homer by Matt Diaz.

Yunel Escobar hit a solo homer in the fifth, Martin Prado singled in a run in the sixth, and Chipper Jones capped it with a two-run homer in the sixth for the eight-run lead.

Derek Lowe: W (13-8), 5.2 IP, 8 H, ER, 5 K
Mike Gonzalez: 1 IP, 2 K

Lowe threw 112 pitches over almost six full innings, giving up eight hits but not walking any. The Phillies had runners in scoring position in the second, third, fifth, and sixth, but Lowe got out of three of those. Peter Moylan bailed him out in the sixth. Moylan allowed three straight singles to start the seventh and was relieved by Mike Gonzalez, who struck out Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth and got Raul Ibanez to fly out, all with the bases loaded.

Garret Anderson: 3-4, HR, 3 RBI
Matt Diaz: 3-5, HR, 2 RBI
Yunel Escobar: 2-4, HR
Chipper Jones: HR, 2 RBI

Everybody seemed to contribute to the nine runs. Anderson and Diaz both had big days and even Chipper managed to hit one out. The only starter who failed to either drive in a run or score a run was Adam LaRoche, who had a double in two at bats before leaving with a hamstring injury thanks to Lowe's little league throw to first.

Notable Phillies:
Cliff Lee: L (5-1), 5 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 5 K
Chase Utley: 3-4, HR

Notable Stat:
Lee allowed six runs and now has a 1.80 ERA.

Next Game:
8/30: @ Phillies, 8:05 (Jair Jurrjens vs. Joe Blanton)