Braves Get Much Needed 4-1 Victory over the Phillies
By Editorial Staff
(Source: Yardbarker.com)
The Braves were able to string some hits together today and the result was a much needed victory over the home standing Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves got three of their four runs in the sixth inning. The first of which came on a long double by Eric Hinske. Hinske was in left today due to the struggles of fellow outfielders Melky Cabrera and Matt Diaz. Cabrera then followed with an RBI single and Omar Infante rounded out the scoring in the inning with a sacrifice fly to center that scored Hinske. Troy Glaus had an RBI single of his own in the ninth to give the Braves their final run.
Kris Medlen got the start today in place of Jair Jurrjens who is on the Disabled List. Medlen lasted four and a third innings allowing nine hits but only one earned run to go along with three strikeouts. Six Braves relievers combined to pitch four and two thirds innings of shut out baseball. Billy Wagner got the final three outs in the ninth to earn his fourth save of the season.
The Braves only had seven hits in the game but were able to work six walks out of Phillies pitchers. Jason Heyward did in fact pinch hit in the eighth which must mean that his injured groin is in fact improving. Before the game Braves manager Bobby Cox had talked about not using Heyward in this series in case they had to place him on the disabled list. Brian McCann returned to the lineup wearing glasses and went 1-2 at the plate with two walks.
The Braves will close out the series with the Phillies on Sunday with Kenshin Kawakami (0-5, 5.47) taking the mound and facing off against Phillies lefty Cole Hamels (2-2, 4.42) Given the way the Braves have been struggling against left handed pitchers of late things could get tough yet again for Braves’ batters.