Braves Hammer Marlins Bullpen, Win 8-3
Source: Yardbarker.com
For the second night in a row, Atlanta Braves batters teed off on the Florida Marlins bullpen. Martin Prado had three hits and two RBI’s to help pace an offense that came out swinging after a one hour and seventeen minute rain delay halted the game before the top of the fifth inning.
The Braves bullpen was masterful in relief of starter Tim Hudson pitching 5 innings and allowing on one run the rest of the way. Takashi Saito worked his way out of a jam in the seventh inning and closer Billy Wagner again sat the Marlins down in the ninth. Peter Moylan pitching in an unusual spot during the fifth inning picked up his second win of the season.
Besides Prado’s excellent offensive night Yunel Escobar is quietly starting to come around. He has now reached base seven times in the last two games and raised his average twenty five points to an even .200 in the process. Chipper Jones also had two hits with a couple of walks which enabled him to become the franchise leader in bases on balls with 1,377 for his career.Melky Cabrera also has quietly come to life and got the start in Center Field for the struggling Nate McLouth. Cabrera has a six game hit streak and has nine hits in his last eighteen at bats.
Brian McCann did set this game out with that injured quad muscle but told the AJC’s David O’Brien that he hoped he would only miss one game. Still for someone that is in a crouch most of his night it might pay to have another off day. Troy Glaus has been bothered by a sore foot but was in the lineup and first and had one hit on the night.
With the victory the Braves were able to take two out of three from the Marlins and now trail the first place Philadelphia Phillies but one and a half games. The team flew home immediately following the game and will be back in action tonight as they open a three game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Derek Lowe (6-4, 5.30) will get the call for the home team and will be matched up against Pirate lefty Zach Duke (3-4, 4.47) The first pitch is slated for 7:35 PM.