May 23
Off day. Actually, two off days sandwich a two-game set in Pittsburgh.
May 24
Julio Teheran vs. Ross Ohlendorf
The game seemed over even before the bullpens allowed a combined eight runs to make a close one become a bit of a shootout. Julio Teheran went six scoreless, lowering his ERA to 1.25 and allowing five hits, a walk, and striking out five. His first hit allowed, a double to open the bottom of the first, was the only extra base hit.
Atlanta led before that, though. Jason Heyward, batting leadoff to take advantage of his high on-base skills in Nate McLouth's absence, homered to start things. The Braves would add a pair in the fifth as Alex Gonzalez doubled and Drew Macias, getting a start in center, singled him in. Martin Prado would single in Macias to make it 3-0.
The bullpens led the game get a little nutty in the final two frames. After Atlanta scored two on a Dan Uggla homer in the 8th, the Pirates pushed two across in the bottom half. Atlanta then added three more to pull away in the 9th, though the Pirates did score one off Scott Linebrink to climb a little closer.
8-3 WIN (27-23, W2)
W - J. Teheran (2-1)
L - R. Ohlendorf (2-6)
Meanwhile, on the farm, Mike Minor kept up his recent solid string of games with eight great innings. He walked two and struck out eight while allowing a run. He will be ready to make his next start in Atlanta.
May 25
Brandon Beachy vs. Paul Maholm
The Atlanta right-hander, Brandon Beachy, breezed through the first five innings even after an error led to an unearned run in the third, but it all came crashing down in the sixth when he gave up four of his five hits, two more runs, and only George Sherrill saving him with the bases loaded kept it from being worse as Atlanta falls miserably yet again.
The Braves had a chance late. Joel Hanrahan got the call and immediately walked Dan Uggla. Brian McCann doubled and the comeback looked to be on. After an Alex Gonzalez flyout scored a run, Jason Heyward smacked one deep, but the wind had been killing balls all night and it landed harmlessly in a Pirates glove. Pinch-hitter Drew Macias flew out to end it.
Eric O'Flaherty picked a perfect eighth, but left with an injury. Two errors on throws to Willy Aybar occured that may have been avoided had the Braves started Freddie Freeman against southpaw, Paul Maholm. Aybar did have two singles. Chipper Jones added two hits and the other RBI.
4-2 LOSS (27-24, L1)
W - P. Maholm (6-1)
L - B. Beachy (2-6)
SV - J. Hanrahan (12)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Series 16: at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
May 20
With no need for a fifth starter until May 31, Mike Minor was demoted to Gwinnett. Jairo Acensio makes yet another trip back up to Atlanta. He started the year with the team, was demoted on April 23rd, recalled on May 3rd, demoted on May 6th, recalled on May 10th, and demoted on the 14th.
Brandon Beachy vs. Bob Keppel
The Braves scored five runs in the third inning and then watched helplessly as the Angels roared back to tie it up and then, with two outs in the tenth, Erick Aybar homered off Jonny Venters to send the Braves home with a loss in their first inter-league contest of the year.
Things were looking up after the Angels had scored a run off Brandon Beachy in the second. With one out, an error allowed Freddie Freeman to reach. Nick Punto singled and Nate McLouth singled home Freeman. Alex Gonzalez hit a big two-run double to put the Braves ahead 3-1. Brian McCann added an RBI double and Dan Uggla singled him home.
Even after McLouth was injured in the bottom of the third making a running catch to deep center and the Angels used an error by Joe Mather, replacing McLouth, to score a run, the Braves looked like they were in good position for a win. However, the Braves routinely had quick, ineffective innings and in the seventh, with Scott Linebrink replacing Brandon Beachy after the latter went the first six, the Angels tied things up with two outs. Maicer Izturis doubled, Howie Kendrick singled him in, and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer.
6-5 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (25-22, L1)
W - S. Downs (2-0)
L - J. Venters (2-2)
May 21
Jairo Asencio goes back down and Matt Young was recalled. Young opened the year in Atlanta, but didn't get too many chances and was sent down. He has hit .345 in 19 games with Gwinnett and will help in CF until we know what's going on with McLouth.
Derek Lowe vs. Ervin Santana
For a guy who relies so much on a sinking fastball, Derek Lowe seems to like throwing a fastball, about belt high, that doesn't move. Lowe lost for the fifth time, though not all of it was his fault. Enough of it was, though. He gave up seven hits and five runs, three earned, in his five innings. The final runs were huge. A two-run shot by Howie Kendrick that was the difference. The ball was a "sinker" close to the letters.
Atlanta took the early lead on a Martin Prado homer and after Lowe gave up a second inning run, the Braves retook the lead when Dan Uggla grounded into a double play with the bases loaded. An error on Joe Mather plated the tying run in the third and another run followed on a groundout to put the Angels ahead. Atlanta again tied up things when Alex Gonzalez singled in Prado in the fifth, but Kendrick's homer soon changed that. Jason Heyward triped in the sixth and Mather made up for his earlier miscue to some degree with single that made it 5-4, but that was the end of scoring.
Prado had three hits on the day and has upped his average to .271. Cristhian Martinez, George Sherrill, and Peter Moylan all worked scoreless outings.
5-4 LOSS (25-23, L2)
W - E. Santana (4-0)
L - D. Lowe (3-5)
SV - J. Walden (11)
May 22
Nate McLouth's injury is a sprained wrist. He will miss about a month. Outfielder Drew Macias's contract was purchased. Macias spent a week at Mississippi hitting .455 before getting promoted to Gwinnett, where he has spent a week hitting .421. In addition, Jordan Schafer was promoted to Gwinnett.
Tommy Hanson vs. Dan Haren
Atlanta did not have a lot go right in their matchup with the Angels to close out the series, but they did just enough to win 1-0. Nick Punto was the key offensive performer. After Joe Mather walked to open the sixth, Matt Young bunted him to second and a wild pitch put him 90 feet away. Punto sent one to deep right and Mather tagged and scored the game's only run.
Tommy Hanson was superb. He went 7.2 ING, allowing six hits and walking none. He struck out four and lowered his ERA to 3.26. After giving up back-to-back singles in the eighth with two outs, Craig Kimbrel got the call and retired the next four for his 11th save.
Atlanta had a caught stealing and a runner picked off while only managing three hits, but a win is a win.
1-0 WIN (26-23, W1)
W - T. Hanson (2-2)
L - D. Haren (4-4)
SV - C. Kimbrel (11)
With no need for a fifth starter until May 31, Mike Minor was demoted to Gwinnett. Jairo Acensio makes yet another trip back up to Atlanta. He started the year with the team, was demoted on April 23rd, recalled on May 3rd, demoted on May 6th, recalled on May 10th, and demoted on the 14th.
Brandon Beachy vs. Bob Keppel
The Braves scored five runs in the third inning and then watched helplessly as the Angels roared back to tie it up and then, with two outs in the tenth, Erick Aybar homered off Jonny Venters to send the Braves home with a loss in their first inter-league contest of the year.
Things were looking up after the Angels had scored a run off Brandon Beachy in the second. With one out, an error allowed Freddie Freeman to reach. Nick Punto singled and Nate McLouth singled home Freeman. Alex Gonzalez hit a big two-run double to put the Braves ahead 3-1. Brian McCann added an RBI double and Dan Uggla singled him home.
Even after McLouth was injured in the bottom of the third making a running catch to deep center and the Angels used an error by Joe Mather, replacing McLouth, to score a run, the Braves looked like they were in good position for a win. However, the Braves routinely had quick, ineffective innings and in the seventh, with Scott Linebrink replacing Brandon Beachy after the latter went the first six, the Angels tied things up with two outs. Maicer Izturis doubled, Howie Kendrick singled him in, and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer.
6-5 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (25-22, L1)
W - S. Downs (2-0)
L - J. Venters (2-2)
May 21
Jairo Asencio goes back down and Matt Young was recalled. Young opened the year in Atlanta, but didn't get too many chances and was sent down. He has hit .345 in 19 games with Gwinnett and will help in CF until we know what's going on with McLouth.
Derek Lowe vs. Ervin Santana
For a guy who relies so much on a sinking fastball, Derek Lowe seems to like throwing a fastball, about belt high, that doesn't move. Lowe lost for the fifth time, though not all of it was his fault. Enough of it was, though. He gave up seven hits and five runs, three earned, in his five innings. The final runs were huge. A two-run shot by Howie Kendrick that was the difference. The ball was a "sinker" close to the letters.
Atlanta took the early lead on a Martin Prado homer and after Lowe gave up a second inning run, the Braves retook the lead when Dan Uggla grounded into a double play with the bases loaded. An error on Joe Mather plated the tying run in the third and another run followed on a groundout to put the Angels ahead. Atlanta again tied up things when Alex Gonzalez singled in Prado in the fifth, but Kendrick's homer soon changed that. Jason Heyward triped in the sixth and Mather made up for his earlier miscue to some degree with single that made it 5-4, but that was the end of scoring.
Prado had three hits on the day and has upped his average to .271. Cristhian Martinez, George Sherrill, and Peter Moylan all worked scoreless outings.
5-4 LOSS (25-23, L2)
W - E. Santana (4-0)
L - D. Lowe (3-5)
SV - J. Walden (11)
May 22
Nate McLouth's injury is a sprained wrist. He will miss about a month. Outfielder Drew Macias's contract was purchased. Macias spent a week at Mississippi hitting .455 before getting promoted to Gwinnett, where he has spent a week hitting .421. In addition, Jordan Schafer was promoted to Gwinnett.
Tommy Hanson vs. Dan Haren
Atlanta did not have a lot go right in their matchup with the Angels to close out the series, but they did just enough to win 1-0. Nick Punto was the key offensive performer. After Joe Mather walked to open the sixth, Matt Young bunted him to second and a wild pitch put him 90 feet away. Punto sent one to deep right and Mather tagged and scored the game's only run.
Tommy Hanson was superb. He went 7.2 ING, allowing six hits and walking none. He struck out four and lowered his ERA to 3.26. After giving up back-to-back singles in the eighth with two outs, Craig Kimbrel got the call and retired the next four for his 11th save.
Atlanta had a caught stealing and a runner picked off while only managing three hits, but a win is a win.
1-0 WIN (26-23, W1)
W - T. Hanson (2-2)
L - D. Haren (4-4)
SV - C. Kimbrel (11)
Series 15: at Arizona
May 18
Brooks Conrad was DFA'd and Willy Aybar was added to the roster. Sadly, OOTP doesn't allow for a player without options to go to the minors just to get into shape.
Julio Teheran vs. Daniel Hudson
Two things that were at least supposed to be strengths were on display as true weaknesses today. Offense and the bullpen. Atlanta put their rookie pitcher Julio Teheran in a bind, giving him one run to work with. He went six and allowed two runs which should be enough for a win. Eric O'Flaherty followed by allowing a run in his two innings.
However, in the ninth, the Braves offense woke up briefly. Jason Heyward walked against J.J. Putz and Alex Gonzalez took Putz deep to put the Braves in a tie. Atlanta would threaten to score again, but failed.
That proved costly after Scott Linebrink, who tossed a perfect ninth inning, ran into quick tenth inning trouble in allowing a leadoff double to Collin Cowgill. After a groundout got Cowgill to third, Jonny Venters got the call to face Russ Branyan, but the Diamondbacks countered with Chris B. Young. He singled past Dan Uggla at second to send the Braves to the showers with yet another frustrating loss.
4-3 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (24-21, L1)
W - J.J. Putz (2-2)
L - S. Linebrink (0-1)
May 19
The day after DFAing Brooks Conrad, the Braves traded him to Boston in exchange for minor league pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. The 21 year old righty started the year at low-A ball, but has started the last three games for Salem in the Carolina League. He hasn't been quite as successful there after posting a 2.53 ERA in six starts before the promotion. He will head to Lynchburg. Our scouts love him and project him to be a middle-of-the-staff guy.
Meanwhile, Jair Jurrjens suffered some elbow inflammation in his second start and will probably miss two months. When it rains...
Mike Minor vs. Armando Galarraga
With the news that Jair Jurrjens will probably be out until mid-July at best, Mike Minor's performance was under the radar against the Diamondbacks. He allowed a host of runners throughout the game before retiring the last seven he faced. More important than that, Minor allowed no runs over seven innings and Atlanta scored early and late to help split the two-game set, 6-0.
Nate McLouth was hit by a 0-2 pitch by Armando Galarraga and Martin Prado hit his sixth homer on the very next pitch to make it 2-0. Brian McCann would follow with his third moonshot and despite allowing five hits, walking three, and working around an error, the Diamondbacks could not break through against Minor. With runners on second-and-third and no outs in the second, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and two outs in the third, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and NO outs in the fourth, they couldn't score. Minor kept eluding the big inning.
It remained 3-0 until the sixth when Alex Gonzalez, who had a game-high three hits, sent his sixth homer to the left field bleachers. Willy Aybar got into his first game, pinch hitting for Freddie Freeman against a lefty and singled in the 8th. However, Jason Heyward was thrown out at the plate to keep Aybar from his first RBI. McLouth ended up forcing a run with the bases loaded to make it 5-0. Dan Uggla added a homer in the ninth.
6-0 WIN (25-21, W1)
W - M. Minor (2-0)
L - A. Galarraga (4-2)
Brooks Conrad was DFA'd and Willy Aybar was added to the roster. Sadly, OOTP doesn't allow for a player without options to go to the minors just to get into shape.
Julio Teheran vs. Daniel Hudson
Two things that were at least supposed to be strengths were on display as true weaknesses today. Offense and the bullpen. Atlanta put their rookie pitcher Julio Teheran in a bind, giving him one run to work with. He went six and allowed two runs which should be enough for a win. Eric O'Flaherty followed by allowing a run in his two innings.
However, in the ninth, the Braves offense woke up briefly. Jason Heyward walked against J.J. Putz and Alex Gonzalez took Putz deep to put the Braves in a tie. Atlanta would threaten to score again, but failed.
That proved costly after Scott Linebrink, who tossed a perfect ninth inning, ran into quick tenth inning trouble in allowing a leadoff double to Collin Cowgill. After a groundout got Cowgill to third, Jonny Venters got the call to face Russ Branyan, but the Diamondbacks countered with Chris B. Young. He singled past Dan Uggla at second to send the Braves to the showers with yet another frustrating loss.
4-3 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (24-21, L1)
W - J.J. Putz (2-2)
L - S. Linebrink (0-1)
May 19
The day after DFAing Brooks Conrad, the Braves traded him to Boston in exchange for minor league pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. The 21 year old righty started the year at low-A ball, but has started the last three games for Salem in the Carolina League. He hasn't been quite as successful there after posting a 2.53 ERA in six starts before the promotion. He will head to Lynchburg. Our scouts love him and project him to be a middle-of-the-staff guy.
Meanwhile, Jair Jurrjens suffered some elbow inflammation in his second start and will probably miss two months. When it rains...
Mike Minor vs. Armando Galarraga
With the news that Jair Jurrjens will probably be out until mid-July at best, Mike Minor's performance was under the radar against the Diamondbacks. He allowed a host of runners throughout the game before retiring the last seven he faced. More important than that, Minor allowed no runs over seven innings and Atlanta scored early and late to help split the two-game set, 6-0.
Nate McLouth was hit by a 0-2 pitch by Armando Galarraga and Martin Prado hit his sixth homer on the very next pitch to make it 2-0. Brian McCann would follow with his third moonshot and despite allowing five hits, walking three, and working around an error, the Diamondbacks could not break through against Minor. With runners on second-and-third and no outs in the second, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and two outs in the third, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and NO outs in the fourth, they couldn't score. Minor kept eluding the big inning.
It remained 3-0 until the sixth when Alex Gonzalez, who had a game-high three hits, sent his sixth homer to the left field bleachers. Willy Aybar got into his first game, pinch hitting for Freddie Freeman against a lefty and singled in the 8th. However, Jason Heyward was thrown out at the plate to keep Aybar from his first RBI. McLouth ended up forcing a run with the bases loaded to make it 5-0. Dan Uggla added a homer in the ninth.
6-0 WIN (25-21, W1)
W - M. Minor (2-0)
L - A. Galarraga (4-2)
Series 14: vs. Houston
May 16
Wandy Rodriguez vs. Derek Lowe
Rarely will you see Michael Bourn thrown out. Maybe once in a career will it end a game. However, that is how today's matchup with the Astros ended. Craig Kimbrel came in to perserve the 5-3 lead. After a groundout, Bill Hall singled to right. Robinson Cancel rocketed a ball up the middle to put runners on first-and-second. After a fielder's choice wiped out Cancel and replaced him with Bourn at first with Hall at third, Hall attempted to steal on a 0-1 pitch. The fastball was high and away and Brian McCann's throw was on the money.
Atlanta won despite only picking up two hits. They used a hit batter, a wild pitch, a sac fly, and the usual nine walks (including a pair of go-ahead bases loaded walks) to win this one and "bang" out five runs.
Derek Lowe went six, picking up a quality start. George Sherrill pitched the seventh and got the win.
5-3 WIN (23-20, W1)
W - G. Sherrill (2-1)
L - J. Bulger (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (10)
May 17
Looking to add more depth, we added Willy Aybar on a one-year contract with a team option for 2012. Aybar will earn an even million for the rest of the season and has a $2.5M option with a $250K buyout. Aybar hit .230 in 100 games for Tampa Bay last year. He played in 36 games with Atlanta in 2006 after being acquired in the Wilson Betimet trade. Aybar will join the team in Arizona tomorrow. Brooks Conrad will likely be desiginated for assignment.
Brett Myers vs. Tommy Hanson
Of all the improbable wins, this one may take the cake. Atlanta, down by five runs in the ninth, ties it with five in the ninth and Freddie Freeman singles home Brian McCann to win it in the tenth. The Braves had been mystified for eight innings against Brett Myers, who allowed only two hits, a walk, and picked up six K's. He probably wish he had not been pinch hit for in the ninth after 95 pitches. The Astros had just added two of Cristhian Martinez to push their lead to five.
However, in the ninth, new pitcher Sergio Escalona began to struggle after getting Nate McLouth to ground out. Martin Prado doubled, McCann singled, and Dan Uggla singled in Prado. After closer Wilton Lopez replaced Escalona, Jason Heyward delivered a huge two-run triple to bring the Braves within two. Chipper Jones, pinch-hitting for Alex Gonzalez, worked a walk before Freeman singled in his best friend Heyward. Down a run, Nick Punto grounded out to first to advance the runners, but he recorded the second out. David Ross got the call from the bench and took two strikes before, on a 1-2 count, essentially hit a swinging bunt that he beat out to plate Jones and tie it at five. McLouth, who began the inning with an out, ended it with one.
After Peter Moylan put a pair of runners, but worked around it in the top of the tenth, Prado beat out a grounder to open the tenth before McCann was hit by a pitch. After a strikeout, a wild pitch prompted the 'Stros to walk Heyward intentionally. Jones hit a hard grounder to second that Anderson Hernandez made a diving stop to throw out Prado at home. That set up Freeman, who worked the count full before sending a hard-hit ball between first and second for the win.
6-5 WIN - 10 INNINGS (24-20, W2)
W - P. Moylan (4-1)
L - W. Lopez (1-3)
Wandy Rodriguez vs. Derek Lowe
Rarely will you see Michael Bourn thrown out. Maybe once in a career will it end a game. However, that is how today's matchup with the Astros ended. Craig Kimbrel came in to perserve the 5-3 lead. After a groundout, Bill Hall singled to right. Robinson Cancel rocketed a ball up the middle to put runners on first-and-second. After a fielder's choice wiped out Cancel and replaced him with Bourn at first with Hall at third, Hall attempted to steal on a 0-1 pitch. The fastball was high and away and Brian McCann's throw was on the money.
Atlanta won despite only picking up two hits. They used a hit batter, a wild pitch, a sac fly, and the usual nine walks (including a pair of go-ahead bases loaded walks) to win this one and "bang" out five runs.
Derek Lowe went six, picking up a quality start. George Sherrill pitched the seventh and got the win.
5-3 WIN (23-20, W1)
W - G. Sherrill (2-1)
L - J. Bulger (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (10)
May 17
Looking to add more depth, we added Willy Aybar on a one-year contract with a team option for 2012. Aybar will earn an even million for the rest of the season and has a $2.5M option with a $250K buyout. Aybar hit .230 in 100 games for Tampa Bay last year. He played in 36 games with Atlanta in 2006 after being acquired in the Wilson Betimet trade. Aybar will join the team in Arizona tomorrow. Brooks Conrad will likely be desiginated for assignment.
Brett Myers vs. Tommy Hanson
Of all the improbable wins, this one may take the cake. Atlanta, down by five runs in the ninth, ties it with five in the ninth and Freddie Freeman singles home Brian McCann to win it in the tenth. The Braves had been mystified for eight innings against Brett Myers, who allowed only two hits, a walk, and picked up six K's. He probably wish he had not been pinch hit for in the ninth after 95 pitches. The Astros had just added two of Cristhian Martinez to push their lead to five.
However, in the ninth, new pitcher Sergio Escalona began to struggle after getting Nate McLouth to ground out. Martin Prado doubled, McCann singled, and Dan Uggla singled in Prado. After closer Wilton Lopez replaced Escalona, Jason Heyward delivered a huge two-run triple to bring the Braves within two. Chipper Jones, pinch-hitting for Alex Gonzalez, worked a walk before Freeman singled in his best friend Heyward. Down a run, Nick Punto grounded out to first to advance the runners, but he recorded the second out. David Ross got the call from the bench and took two strikes before, on a 1-2 count, essentially hit a swinging bunt that he beat out to plate Jones and tie it at five. McLouth, who began the inning with an out, ended it with one.
After Peter Moylan put a pair of runners, but worked around it in the top of the tenth, Prado beat out a grounder to open the tenth before McCann was hit by a pitch. After a strikeout, a wild pitch prompted the 'Stros to walk Heyward intentionally. Jones hit a hard grounder to second that Anderson Hernandez made a diving stop to throw out Prado at home. That set up Freeman, who worked the count full before sending a hard-hit ball between first and second for the win.
6-5 WIN - 10 INNINGS (24-20, W2)
W - P. Moylan (4-1)
L - W. Lopez (1-3)
Series 13: vs. Philadelphia
May 13, 2011
With the Phillies coming to town, Chipper Jones looks like he will be activated tomorrow. He will have spent the minimum of 15 days on the DL. His activation will coincide with the callup of Mike Minor to make a start. I expect Jair Jurrjens to make another appearance for Gwinnett on Monday, the 16th. If that goes well, he will likely be activated next Saturday for a game against Anaheim. He could also make that start in Gwinnett and be held back for the 27th against the Reds because that game follows two of four days off. The Braves could use Minor on the 19th against the D'Backs, demote him, and have an extra player for the trip to Anaheim and the two game trip to Pittsburgh.
Elsewhere, pulled off a trade with the Chicago Cubs. J.J. Hoover heads to the Chicago system for Nick Punto and prospect OF Matt Szczur. Diory Hernandez was demoted to make room for Punto, who will be eligible for the series opener against Philly. Punto is a high OBP switch hitter capable of playing all over the infield at a high level. Szczur could turn into a .280/.340/.450 type player in center who plays above average defense and swipes 30 bases. There's always room on teams for those guys. Hoover was probably ranked 8th among starters. In addition, Arodys Vizcaino was promoted to AA to replace Hoover.
Cole Hamels vs. Julio Teheran.
The strikezone must have been microscopic as the teams combined for just 16 hits, but 26 walks. The 26th and final walk came in the 12th inning against J.C. Romero. After Freddie Freeman had walked to open the inning, Jairo Asencio was asked to put a bunt down. He did his job and Romero threw the ball away. An intentional walk to Martin Prado loaded them and after a popup, Nate McLouth, who was 0 for 6, walked to force Freeman and win the game 8-7.
Down 1-0 in the first, Prado tied it up with a homer off Hamels. The Braves would manufacture a go-ahead run in the third. Nick Punto, making his debut as a starter at third base, walked and with one out, Dan Uggla followed suit. A double steal advanced the runners and Brian McCann grounded out to put the Braves ahead. In the sixth, Jason Heyward (yes) walked and Freeman singled. A Julio Teheran bunt advanced the runners and with two outs, a passed ball scored Heyward and Punto beat out a grounder to plate Freeman. With a 4-1 lead, the Braves had some room to feel safe. However, the Phillies scored twice in the fifth with the help of two errors. After a rain delay, Dan Uggla smacked a solo bomb to make it 5-3. The rain delay forced a move to the pen and in the seventh, Peter Moylan came up a walk and a two-run homer to tie it.
In the seventh, with two outs, Jason Grilli couldn't find the strike zone and threw 13 straight out of the zone before getting a strike. He followed that with three more out of the zone to force home Atlanta's sixth run. Jonny Venters followed suit by walking two and giving up a single with two outs to load them before walking home the tying run. Another walk made it 7-6. Braves were able to use a wild pitch to score Uggla in the 9th with two outs. Uggla had, surprisingly, walked. He actually tied an Atlanta record with four walks and was able to score three times. Teheran was charged with one earned run and two unearned runs in his five innings. He added his first major league hit. He was on the hook for the win before Moylan had the first of two Atlanta blown saves.
8-7 WIN - 12 INNINGS (21-19, W3)
W - J. Asencio (2-0)
L - J.C. Romero (1-1)
May 14, 2011
Expected moves occured. Chipper Jones was activated from the 15 day DL, Mike Minor was called up, and Jairo Asencio and Wilkin Ramirez were demoted to Gwinnett. Minor gets the fun assignment of facing Roy Halladay.
Roy Halladay vs. Mike Minor
Sometimes, a rookie seems like the veteran who sees his spot come up against a rival, knows his bullpen is tired, and also knows his offense is not the best - and oh, he is facing Roy Halladay - and despite all of the distractions, takes the team on his back and says, "I got this." Mike Minor did that on Saturday. Minor allows three hits, four walks, and struck out three over seven frames as the Braves shutdown the Phillies 5-0.
Minor walked a pair in the first and stranded two runners in scoring position in the third, but seemed to settle down from there. Maybe retiring Ryan Howard to end the third inning threat helped. The two runs the Braves gave him definitely had to help. With one out in the third, Nate McLouth earned a rare Halladay walk. After Martin Prado singled, the pair sync'd up on a double steal. Brian McCann was retired without scoring a run, but Chipper Jones rocketed the first pitch he saw for an RBI single and after an error scored Prado, the Braves had a lead they would not surrender.
With two outs in the sixth, the Braves offense woke up on a Freddie Freeman single. With the count 3-1 to Minor, something odd happened. Minor homered. Yes, off of Roy Halladay. And it wasn't a wind-driven, weak homer. Minor went opposite field with authority, lining the pitch 376 feet. The Braves would get a third run of the inning when McLouth doubled and Prado singled him in. Minor followed with a three pitch seventh before getting replaced after 99 pitches as Cristhian Martinez opened the 8th. He struck out four over two innings to rest the others in the pen.
5-0 WIN (22-19, W4)
W - M. Minor (1-0)
L - R. Halladay (6-3)
May 15, 2011
Very unhappy...accidentally pressed "Finish Today" while fiddling with the minor leagues. First game I didn't play out all season.
Roy Oswalt vs. Brandon Beachy
Close one went extras until Raul Ibanez homered off Craig Kimbrel with two outs in the 11th. Brandon Beachy was very solid, going seven and allowing five hits, a run, a walk, and picking up six K's. However, Roy Oswalt matched him pitch-by-pitch. Literally. The two had identical pitching lines.
Jason Heyward had two hits to get his average sniffing .200 again. He scored Atlanta's only run in the fifth with a single and a stolen base that allowed Alex Gonzalez to drive him in.
Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty were solid and got the game to Kimbrel, who retired the first two he saw with ease before Ibanez went deep.
2-1 LOSS - 11 INNINGS (22-20, L1)
W - R. Madson (1-1)
L - C. Kimbrel (2-1)
SV - A. Bastardo (2)
With the Phillies coming to town, Chipper Jones looks like he will be activated tomorrow. He will have spent the minimum of 15 days on the DL. His activation will coincide with the callup of Mike Minor to make a start. I expect Jair Jurrjens to make another appearance for Gwinnett on Monday, the 16th. If that goes well, he will likely be activated next Saturday for a game against Anaheim. He could also make that start in Gwinnett and be held back for the 27th against the Reds because that game follows two of four days off. The Braves could use Minor on the 19th against the D'Backs, demote him, and have an extra player for the trip to Anaheim and the two game trip to Pittsburgh.
Elsewhere, pulled off a trade with the Chicago Cubs. J.J. Hoover heads to the Chicago system for Nick Punto and prospect OF Matt Szczur. Diory Hernandez was demoted to make room for Punto, who will be eligible for the series opener against Philly. Punto is a high OBP switch hitter capable of playing all over the infield at a high level. Szczur could turn into a .280/.340/.450 type player in center who plays above average defense and swipes 30 bases. There's always room on teams for those guys. Hoover was probably ranked 8th among starters. In addition, Arodys Vizcaino was promoted to AA to replace Hoover.
Cole Hamels vs. Julio Teheran.
The strikezone must have been microscopic as the teams combined for just 16 hits, but 26 walks. The 26th and final walk came in the 12th inning against J.C. Romero. After Freddie Freeman had walked to open the inning, Jairo Asencio was asked to put a bunt down. He did his job and Romero threw the ball away. An intentional walk to Martin Prado loaded them and after a popup, Nate McLouth, who was 0 for 6, walked to force Freeman and win the game 8-7.
Down 1-0 in the first, Prado tied it up with a homer off Hamels. The Braves would manufacture a go-ahead run in the third. Nick Punto, making his debut as a starter at third base, walked and with one out, Dan Uggla followed suit. A double steal advanced the runners and Brian McCann grounded out to put the Braves ahead. In the sixth, Jason Heyward (yes) walked and Freeman singled. A Julio Teheran bunt advanced the runners and with two outs, a passed ball scored Heyward and Punto beat out a grounder to plate Freeman. With a 4-1 lead, the Braves had some room to feel safe. However, the Phillies scored twice in the fifth with the help of two errors. After a rain delay, Dan Uggla smacked a solo bomb to make it 5-3. The rain delay forced a move to the pen and in the seventh, Peter Moylan came up a walk and a two-run homer to tie it.
In the seventh, with two outs, Jason Grilli couldn't find the strike zone and threw 13 straight out of the zone before getting a strike. He followed that with three more out of the zone to force home Atlanta's sixth run. Jonny Venters followed suit by walking two and giving up a single with two outs to load them before walking home the tying run. Another walk made it 7-6. Braves were able to use a wild pitch to score Uggla in the 9th with two outs. Uggla had, surprisingly, walked. He actually tied an Atlanta record with four walks and was able to score three times. Teheran was charged with one earned run and two unearned runs in his five innings. He added his first major league hit. He was on the hook for the win before Moylan had the first of two Atlanta blown saves.
8-7 WIN - 12 INNINGS (21-19, W3)
W - J. Asencio (2-0)
L - J.C. Romero (1-1)
May 14, 2011
Expected moves occured. Chipper Jones was activated from the 15 day DL, Mike Minor was called up, and Jairo Asencio and Wilkin Ramirez were demoted to Gwinnett. Minor gets the fun assignment of facing Roy Halladay.
Roy Halladay vs. Mike Minor
Sometimes, a rookie seems like the veteran who sees his spot come up against a rival, knows his bullpen is tired, and also knows his offense is not the best - and oh, he is facing Roy Halladay - and despite all of the distractions, takes the team on his back and says, "I got this." Mike Minor did that on Saturday. Minor allows three hits, four walks, and struck out three over seven frames as the Braves shutdown the Phillies 5-0.
Minor walked a pair in the first and stranded two runners in scoring position in the third, but seemed to settle down from there. Maybe retiring Ryan Howard to end the third inning threat helped. The two runs the Braves gave him definitely had to help. With one out in the third, Nate McLouth earned a rare Halladay walk. After Martin Prado singled, the pair sync'd up on a double steal. Brian McCann was retired without scoring a run, but Chipper Jones rocketed the first pitch he saw for an RBI single and after an error scored Prado, the Braves had a lead they would not surrender.
With two outs in the sixth, the Braves offense woke up on a Freddie Freeman single. With the count 3-1 to Minor, something odd happened. Minor homered. Yes, off of Roy Halladay. And it wasn't a wind-driven, weak homer. Minor went opposite field with authority, lining the pitch 376 feet. The Braves would get a third run of the inning when McLouth doubled and Prado singled him in. Minor followed with a three pitch seventh before getting replaced after 99 pitches as Cristhian Martinez opened the 8th. He struck out four over two innings to rest the others in the pen.
5-0 WIN (22-19, W4)
W - M. Minor (1-0)
L - R. Halladay (6-3)
May 15, 2011
Very unhappy...accidentally pressed "Finish Today" while fiddling with the minor leagues. First game I didn't play out all season.
Roy Oswalt vs. Brandon Beachy
Close one went extras until Raul Ibanez homered off Craig Kimbrel with two outs in the 11th. Brandon Beachy was very solid, going seven and allowing five hits, a run, a walk, and picking up six K's. However, Roy Oswalt matched him pitch-by-pitch. Literally. The two had identical pitching lines.
Jason Heyward had two hits to get his average sniffing .200 again. He scored Atlanta's only run in the fifth with a single and a stolen base that allowed Alex Gonzalez to drive him in.
Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty were solid and got the game to Kimbrel, who retired the first two he saw with ease before Ibanez went deep.
2-1 LOSS - 11 INNINGS (22-20, L1)
W - R. Madson (1-1)
L - C. Kimbrel (2-1)
SV - A. Bastardo (2)
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