This game was sort of like three games in one. There was the first game, where Derek Lowe had decent stuff, got some defensive help, and got staked to an early lead thanks to the 3-run homerun by Brian McCann in the first inning. Yes, Lowe, had some trouble in the second, but he looked confident on the mound and looked he might settle in and have a good day.
The first game ended with another fourth inning fail by Lowe, as he allowed three runs and gave up the lead. The second game started with fantastic work from Kris Medlen, who is increasing his value with every outing for Atlanta. Peter Moylan also contributed in that second game, and the good work by the pen allowed the Braves to claw back and tie the game at 5 thanks to a Matt Diaz hustle triple, and a Reid Gorecki sac fly.
The third game was all about the bottom of the eighth inning -- that thing lasted forever. It seemed like every count went 3-and-2, and the Marlins used 3 pitchers. Coming through in the clutch once again was Brian McCann with a 2-run single in that eighth inning. Rafael Soriano closed out that third game and the real game, and looked good doing it -- popping that fastball in there and fooling hitters with the off-speed stuff.
Matt Diaz had a big day with 4 hits. He's on one of those stretches where no one can get him out. Brian McCann also had a big day, tying a career-high with 5 RBI, to go with 3 hits. Another great win for Atlanta after the tough loss on Friday. They bounced back and won the series and that is huge at this point.
In non-Braves game related news, our old pal Jeff Francoeur grounded into an unassisted triple play to end the game in New York -- yikes. It was only the 15th unassisted triple play in baseball history.
0 recs | 47 comments
Big big win
Taking 2 of 3 from the Fish was a great series, and just makes ya think “what if” about Friday’s loss…
Yakker - August 23, 2009
in other news
colorado now on top of SF 3-2
atl192485 - August 23, 2009
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 23, 2009
Badd asssss
Yakker - August 23, 2009
rafeal the artist
bravesfan203 - August 23, 2009
Love the pic.
oVecKid - August 23, 2009
Frenchy UnA Triple Play
Epic fail for any other player.
Just expected from Frenchy.
bbxxj - August 23, 2009
his face was priceless
VivaLosBravos - August 23, 2009
speaking of unassisted triple plays
i was at the Braves/cardinals game like 5 years ago when Furcal turned the unassisted triple play. it was one of the coolest things i’ve ever seen at a baseball game.
Scott Coleman - August 23, 2009 via mobile
Same. Was watching, like, OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!!!!!!! HE GOT ALL 3!!!!!!!
oVecKid - August 23, 2009
yeah i was going crazy.
it wouldve been the best game i’ve ever been to, but Smoltzy, who was closing at the time, gave up a GW 2 run HR to Pujols in the bottom of the 9th. I was so pissed.
Scott Coleman - August 23, 2009
wow. Just noticed that on Diaz’s triple, he STEPPED BACK on the pitch like one would do in softball to go to opposite field. WOW!
Also, D Lowe threw a cooler. What a tool.
justincredubil02 - August 23, 2009
hes a tool for being mad at himself after not pitching well?
Scott Coleman - August 23, 2009
no. He is a tool for picking up a water cooler and throwing it in the dugout in front of everyone.
justincredubil02 - August 23, 2009
Another series won by the Braves. Let's keep it going shall we?
.
.
I hope they enjoy their day off, rest, eat well, sleep well and get ready to make up some ground with the Padres.
And, can somebody PLEASE beat the Phillies this upcoming week.
NCChopper - August 23, 2009
The Phillies play the Mets tomorrow and then 3 against the Pirates
so no, they probably wont be losing anytime soon.
Scott Coleman - August 23, 2009
I saw this graphic and I knew it was gonna be NCChopper
You have all those sweet graphics. Keep ’em comin!
nick9314 - August 24, 2009
OT / Just saw Smoltz recap on ESPN for StL today – 5IP, 0BB and 9Ks (7 in a row).
I’ve admitted to being a softie where Smotlz is concerned, wouldn’t even mind seeing him with our uni on again. I wish him well.
NCChopper - August 23, 2009
McCann does his best job to lose the game with that rally killer in the first inning, but, fortunately, the team still won.
VictorW - August 23, 2009
Yeah its better to hit into an unassisted triple play and keep the rally going, than to hit a homer.
someguy917 - August 23, 2009
boom.
justincredubil02 - August 23, 2009
HR really would have killed that rally
Bases loaded…would have ended the damn game. Thank God he dodged that bullet.
BTW, I think this is the justice of the baseball gods for Frenchy’s improved BABIP. Getting a few cheap hits, so now he makes three outs with one line drive.
Bronn - August 23, 2009
Casey' Mojo still on the Mets
and got Frenchy. I just watched the play and it just made me think of ole Casey when he managed the brand new Mets. They were so bad that people went to watch because it was so funny. Stengal himself would fall asleep in the dugout during the game! I just know that Casey would have loved Francouer, a lousy hitter who has a good avg. but a poor OBP and has the poor luck to hit into a triple play. I actually felt sorry for Jeff,but you have to admit it’s funny.
not2wired - August 24, 2009
lol’d
soup du jour - August 23, 2009
exciting game today… great win keep it up against the padres
The Old Man Himself - August 23, 2009
heyward
0-1, 3 BB
esadb - August 23, 2009
Good Win all around
Hopefully Zito can do some damage to the Rockies to make us 3 games back in the WC
drumzalicious - August 23, 2009
Good win
nice to see that Mac is heating up, and the Meds is getting more valuable and nastier. I think this is the first time I’ve ever missed an entire series. Lets see if we can kick some SD butt, because if Smoltzie can….
Good win either way. Lets keep it going
GoBravesNY - August 23, 2009
Soriano has been awesome this year
But I need to give some props to Peter Moylan. He’s lowered his season ERA to 3.17, and his WHIP is a decent-enough 1.37. Remember how horribly he started this year?
Quickly, I’m going to disregard those first two appearances as a result of returning too soon from Tommy John. Here’s his adjusted season line:
54 IP, 44K, 23 BB, 2.33 ERA, 1.26 WHIP. Very good, overall. I can understand why Bobby relies on him so heavily.
Bronn - August 24, 2009
So I sat there trying to figure out how someone could GROUND into an unassisted triple play for a few minutes before I gave up and googled it.
Turns out he LINED into the triple play, so my brain was all screwed up for nothing.
godawgs - August 24, 2009
Yes
that would require a particularly speedy defensive infielder.
VivaLosBravos - August 24, 2009
or
a VERY slow runner
was385 - August 24, 2009
D Lowe
I think you’re being a tad harsh on D Lowe. Without those two errors I think his outing looks pretty solid.
The Beard - August 24, 2009
no freakin way. He could not locate all day long, was getting hit around (baserunners in EVERY inning), etc.
The KJ error hurt in terms of allowing the inning to continue. Lowe hurt himself by throwing a bases loaded 0-2 meat pitch that was hammered.
Lowe has no one to blame for this outing but himself.
justincredubil02 - August 24, 2009
I’ve seen enough of Lowe, he’s our #5 now. I’d give Medlen another shot at starting.
TradeAndruw - August 24, 2009
Meds definitely has great stuff, moreso than Lowe.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 24, 2009
definitely not
he’s just going through rough patch, he’s still got at worst #3 type stuff and looks worse than he is ’cause KK and Hanson are both hot right now
and Lowe can definitely share blame with some shitty defending and just all around bad luck, Chipper nearly busted is ass trying to field the first ball of the game (somehow scored a hit!), KJ’s no out error most likely would have been a routine double play, and McCann dropped a throw on a really close play at the plate.
Lowe wasn’t by any means great, but IMO all the miscues cost him at least 30 extra pitches that’s at least two innings of solid work. And in each of his last two starts, it’s not as though he’s giving up a bunch of long homeruns or doubles he’s getting pinged to death and hasn’t been able to pitch around it like he usually does
the lineup behind him is full of bench players and Lowe is a ground ball pitcher who needs top flight fielding behind him
cirela20 - August 24, 2009
I felt like
he was pitching a pretty good game. Getting his ground balls and what not, and the errors were unfortunate and cost him a pretty good outing. I’m not saying he was being amazing, or capable of throwing a no-no, but definitely could have given us a quality start.
The Beard - August 25, 2009
I must have been watching a different game then. The leadoff batter was on base in all but one inning that he pitched (IIRC). He never once had a 1-2-3 inning. He was getting hit and was not locating well at all.
Sure, the error hurt. But if he was on his game, he would have overcome the KJ mistake, more specifically, he would not have thrown an 0-2 pitch in “Cream-me-ville”.
justincredubil02 - August 25, 2009
this
cirela20 - August 24, 2009
sorry was trying to reply to comment below
and yes that was awesome, joe simpson mentioned in the broadcast
cirela20 - August 24, 2009
Anyone see me on TV holding the YES WE MCCANN sign? Apparently I was on there a couple times, very very excited about that…I feel like a little kid haha
McGriff the Crime Dog - August 24, 2009
I did! It was terrific sign!
NCChopper - August 24, 2009
I saw it. And on highlights all night.
Very nice.
gramsey712 - August 24, 2009
awesome!! Nice sign
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 24, 2009
Do believe...
I was sitting behind you at the top of that section. I’ll check to see if I got it in any pics. Way to go!
Lizziebeth - August 24, 2009
I want that second half D. Lowe back!
That a boy - August 24, 2009
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