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Rough series stuns Atlanta’s playoff push
Game 1 saw a great pitchers duel between Jair Jurrjens and Ricky Nolasco. Jurrjens would pitch 6 innings while allowing just 2 earned runs on 7 hits. Nolasco was even better going 7 strong innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 7 hits. With the game tied at 2 Garret Anderson connected on a solo home run off of Leo Nunez to put Atlanta up 3-2. Atlanta seemed to have the game in hand when they sent Rafael Soriano to the mound to close out the game. Soriano struggled with his control before allowing Ross Gload to drive a 2-run home run into the stands and give Florida a walk-off 4-3 victory.
Kenshin Kawakami and Josh Johnson took the mound in game 2. Kawakami struggled with control and lasted just 4.2 innings. Florida was able to capitalize on Kawakami’s struggles and tagged him for 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks. Johnson pitched well but was not in his dominant form. Johnson pitched 6 strong innings while scattering 8 hits for 3 runs. Both bullpens pitched exceptionally well, allowing a combined 3 hits. The stalemate lasted long enough to allow Florida to cruise to a 6-3 victory. The 8th inning saw plenty of controversy as Braves manager Bobby Cox was ejected for arguing balls and strikes and was soon followed by catcher Brian McCann.
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Atlanta sent Javier Vazquez to the mound in game 3 in a must win situation. Vazquez did not disappoint, going 7.1 innings while striking out 8 and allowing 3 earned runs. With the game tied at 3 in the top of the 10th inning Brian McCann launched a 3-run home run, giving Atlanta a 6-3 lead. Rafael Soriano would redeem himself while earning his 15th save and striking out 3 to preserve the 6-3 Atlanta victory. The win keeps Atlanta within 4.0 games of the Wild Card leading San Francisco Giants. With the loss Florida dropped to 3.0 games back of San Francisco.
Friday the Braves begin a key series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jason Schmidt (1-1, 7.88) will make just his 3rd start of the season against Tommy Hanson (5-1, 2.95). Hanson is trying to come back strong after suffering his first career loss. Game 2 is a matchup of veterans with Randy Wolf (5-5, 3.43) set to take on Derek Lowe (10-7, 4.20). The series finale is expected to be a duel, with Chad Billingsley (10-6, 3.96) taking on Jair Jurrjens (9-7, 2.69).
By: Ben Burrows
MLBcenter.com Atlanta Braves Correspondent
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