Tonight was looking grim after Kris Medlen allowed a two-run shot to Ryan Howard in the bottom of the fifth. The Braves hadn't scored since the first batter of the game, and Jamie Moyer was spinning his magic against the Braves once again.
The top of the sixth was one of the best innings the Braves have had all season, sans the two ninth inning comebacks against the Reds and Phillies at Turner Field. Martin Prado hit his second home run of the day, tenth of the season, with one out in the inning. Four batters later, Brian McCann hit a bases clearing double that put the Braves up 5-3. The next hitter, Matt Diaz, drove a Moyer pitch over the centerfield wall to make it 7-3 and forcing the elder left-hander out of the game. The Braves had hits that scored one, two, and three runs in the inning.
Kris Medlen did not pitch his best game, barely getting out of a bases loaded jam in the first and allowing four runs as he pitched into the seventh. Kris allowed nine base runners over 6.2 innings, but he pitched well enough to keep the Braves in the ballgame. Jonny Venters finished the seventh and opened the eighth, then handed it over to Takashi Saito, who allowed three hits and a run before finishing the eighth with the score being 7-5. Billy Wagner came in to close it out in the ninth and after Melky Cabrera made a leaping catch at the wall, Wagner struck out the final two batters to earn his 19th save. It truly is a shame that Wagner may not make the All-Star game.
The bats didn't have a great game, only scoring in two innings, but they came together in the sixth, which was enough to get the win. Prado had three hits, Omar Infante had two, and Medlen struck out twice from both sides of the plate in the same inning, a rare feat for a starting pitcher.
Since moving Martin to the leadoff spot, the Braves are 33-17. Obviously, getting Melky and McLouth out of the top of the lineup may be a bigger factor, but Martin has responded well and the Braves have played tremendously in the first inning since moving Prado to the leadoff spot.
Up next, the Braves play three against the New York Mets at Citi Field. I'll be going to the series opener with Tommy Hanson (8-5, 4.19 ERA, 4.09 xFIP, 11.2 pRAA) opposing knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (6-1, 2.62 ERA, 3.79 xFIP, 11.3 pRAA). With the win tonight, the Phillies are now six games back and since the Mets lost, they are three games back. A three-game set against the Mets with both Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson pitching could give the Braves a good cushion heading into the All-Star break.
0 recs | 162 comments
RAINBOW LLAMASAURUS!!!
EricGreggWasPaidOff - July 7, 2010
RAINBOW LLAMASAURUS THINKS JAMIE MOYER FOUGHT IN THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS
BraveSaluki - July 7, 2010
Which, despite the name
Did not end quickly.
Bronn - July 7, 2010
hahahahaha
Go Braves!
ChitownBravos - July 8, 2010
Jamie Moyer sat behind Jesus in the 3rd grade.
GouldisGold - July 8, 2010
Great series win. I was hoping we could score ten tonight, but I will take the win.
Braves24 - July 7, 2010
~ Viva los Bravos ~
Phuck the Phillies. If that ump can find work in MLB then, lol, ……I really don’t want to finish that sentence. And fuck you, Howard. Eat it.
told ya
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 7, 2010
That ump was too inconsistent…eesh
award6 - July 7, 2010
That photo is awesome. Rollins looking at Prado like “I wish I had your awesomeness.”
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
Prado’s like “You’re a Phillie. You’ll never be awesome.”
MBL1 - July 7, 2010 via mobile
Rollins: :(
=emocut=
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
That made me laugh.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - July 7, 2010
Yeah
Only problem with having Prado leadoff is when he does hit these homers nobody is usually on base!
sag969 - July 7, 2010
even
if we had a speed first guy like Ellisbury we could say the same thing if he hits a homerun. It happens sometimes.
drumzalicious - July 7, 2010
why rely on other people to drive you in
when you can just do it yourself?
CoxXx - July 8, 2010
posted this in the other thread but i'll post it here too
Atlanta is 14-1-3 in 18 series since losing two of three in Philadelphia in May.
nfierstos10 - July 7, 2010
Very Impressive stat
That one lost was to an insanely hot White Sox. This team is playing out of its mind.
romone_braves91 - July 7, 2010
That is
Amazing.
sag969 - July 7, 2010
Hope dickey doesn't have his knuckle ball working
There always seems to be a hangover after facing a good knuckle-baller. That and its downright disgusting to watch a team get manhandled by one.
SidGlaus - July 7, 2010 via mobile
Jamie Moyer should have prepared them to face him pretty well.
Bronn - July 7, 2010
Only 8 HRs before tonight?
The way Marteeen has been hitting, it feels like it should be more.
KoKo the Monkey (T-Bone) - July 7, 2010
Martin isn’t really a home run, power hitter. He usually gets base hits. But I’m fine with that.
MBL1 - July 7, 2010 via mobile
He hits for average over power. Having 10 HRs at this point is rather shocking than odd.
romone_braves91 - July 7, 2010
It was mostly the ballpark...
Not taking anything away from him, he’s just not a power hitter, and we don’t need him to be.
SuperNewb - July 7, 2010
if he decides that he wants to start hitting HRs i will not complain
nfierstos10 - July 7, 2010
I will…his job is to get on base and score runs…trying to hit HRs will inevitably compromise that goal.
Swo12bv - July 7, 2010
It's not like he doesn't have power
He is among the league leaders in doubles with 25.
GouldisGold - July 7, 2010
That’s probably due more to his gap-hitting ability than his raw power.
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
Craig Biggio usually was, too...
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
He usually always destroys one in Philly. Just for kicks. lmao
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 7, 2010
Contrary to popular belief
According to DoB Prado has power he just uses it to split outfielders in the gaps instead of going for HRs
drumzalicious - July 7, 2010
The Braves are good at baseball...
probably better than you are at baseball…that’s all
foxrobe - July 7, 2010
…….lol. word. i mean, sure.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 7, 2010
I love this base-ball sport.
TheLetter2 - July 7, 2010
It is quite an interesting sport
MBL1 - July 7, 2010 via mobile
not as good as blurnsball tho
CoxXx - July 8, 2010
How sweet it is and even better when it's the Phils.
NCChopper - July 7, 2010
thank you, ma'am!
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 7, 2010
fun fact
that makes four straight games where we’ve scored in the 1st inning, and three straight where we’ve scored first in the first inning
atl192485 - July 7, 2010
We were doing that during our big win streak earlier in the year.
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
I don’t know about you guys but if we win the division I’ll always remember that series when we swept the Phils that put us in first place. And we’re STILL in first place. This team is amazing.
MBL1 - July 7, 2010 via mobile
+10
SuperNewb - July 7, 2010
I will always remember that series, too.
I was at Game 1 (on Memorial Day), and seeing them take it to the Phillies to grab 1st place was fantastic. And we haven’t given up the lead since!
Jacob Peterson - July 8, 2010
Same here.
That game was amazing, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling I had when they announced we were in 1st place at the end (I knew that winning that game put us in first, but you still feel something special when it’s announced like it was). So nice that we haven’t given up the lead since, and hopefully that trend will continue!
Sarahbeth - July 8, 2010
Aw, you were THERE? /jealousy
MBL1 - July 8, 2010 via mobile
“and your Atlanta Braves enter June in First Place!”
VivaLosBravos - July 8, 2010
words still ring clear in my memory.
VivaLosBravos - July 8, 2010
Few sounds please me as much as a completely silent Citizens Bank Park.
SuperNewb - July 7, 2010
Hahaha yup
You know its good for the Braves when there is a hit and the park is quiet as a funeral.
sag969 - July 7, 2010
I’m never, ever, ever visiting Philadelphia.
MBL1 - July 7, 2010 via mobile
CHEESESTEAK
don’t even
SuperNewb - July 7, 2010
yoose want dat wit or wit out
kp.atl - July 7, 2010
wit wiz
telemakhos - July 8, 2010
If a phillies phan phalls in Citizens Bank Park
does anyone care?
kreese555 - July 7, 2010
too soon
Swo12bv - July 7, 2010
haha, was wondering if it was too soon.
went for it cuz the guy’s okay :)
kreese555 - July 8, 2010
Yeah, that was in poor taste.
Your joke really fell flat.
Frozen Fan - July 8, 2010
lol
bpk228480 - July 8, 2010
Hell, I wouldn't care.
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
It's never completely silent there
There is always one (and only one, for some reason) loudmoth asswipe who spends literally the whole game braying at the top of his lungs about how all of our batters or pitcher is a bum and how the Phillies are da awesomest things in all of creation.
Sam Jethroe - July 7, 2010
awesomest
heh
that sounds like authentic philly
award6 - July 8, 2010
did you hear the dude yell: "shoulda hit that one" at marteen in the 1st?
only to have marteen smash his HR one pitch later? on a related note, those field mics are way too sensitive
CoxXx - July 8, 2010
if we can win 2/3 at Citi and go in with a 4 game lead over the mets that would be HUGE!!
SouthernPanther - July 7, 2010
what about 3/3 and a six game lead?
SuperNewb - July 7, 2010
that works. That works very well. I love it.
MBL1 - July 7, 2010 via mobile
That'd obviously be awesome
But getting a sweep on the road against a very good Mets team is a lot to hope for. Although Hanson, Hudson, and Lowe (?) should be able to give us a very good shot.
sag969 - July 7, 2010
Its really tough for Lowe though...
…pitching right behind Hudson. With two sinker ballers going back to back, especially when the first one is considerably better, the opposing team responds much better to the second one.
thenightstallion - July 7, 2010
It should actually be Lowe, then Hudson, I think.
Bronn - July 7, 2010
Not according to the team website.
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
They didn't have it up when I looked, earlier
But I guess they’re pushing Hudson up so he can pitch in the ASG.
Bronn - July 7, 2010
How?
Lowe just pitched on Monday. Hudson hasn’t pitched yet…
sag969 - July 7, 2010
Hmm
Guess I got the two mixed. Both lost, but in my head, I thought Hudson had pitched the day after Lowe’s loss.
Bronn - July 7, 2010
The Mets series shapes up like this:
Friday: Hanson vs. Dickey
Saturday: Hudson vs. Pelfrey
Sunday: Lowe vs. Santana
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
santana just pitched yesterday
Friday: Hanson vs. Dickey
Saturday: Hudson vs. Takahashi
Sunday: Lowe vs. Pelfrey
atl192485 - July 7, 2010
That's not what the team website says
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
They are skipping Takashi’s start.
BenDuronio - July 7, 2010
I noticed that, too.
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
ok, my bad
i’m only regurgitating what ESPN is saying :(
atl192485 - July 7, 2010
How's Johan after short-rest usually?
award6 - July 8, 2010
I don’t know, but he wouldn’t be pitching on short rest. He’d be getting his regular four days of rest since he last pitched on Tuesday.
TonyAlmeyda - July 8, 2010
he struggles on short rest if i remember correctly…he almost never pitches on three days
Swo12bv - July 8, 2010
Actually, Dingflyer is right. Hudson is supposed to pitch against Pelfrey.
iamthesgt - July 7, 2010
we could just as easily be swept and finish in a tie for first
nfierstos10 - July 7, 2010
There is no room for this type of negative thinking at this place!
dkinser86 - July 7, 2010
shut your mouth!
SuperNewb - July 7, 2010
i get too confident and smack talky and they always lose
just remember. it’s the braves. we can take a huge crap at any time and we have in the past.
nfierstos10 - July 8, 2010
Now
You’re sort of starting to piss me off.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
sorry just speaking the truthiness.
nfierstos10 - July 8, 2010
It takes more muscles to frown
Than it does to smile.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
How many muscles does it take to do neither
but type angrily? You don’t know? Lazy journalism!
Bronn - July 8, 2010
Today
Is the first day of the rest of your life.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
Excellent game tonight
Even with Medlen not on top of his stuff tonight, we still managed to pull out a win. I love that we came back right after Howard’s home run and took care of Moyer.
Pretty impressive: with Medlen’s 11 starts, the Braves are 10-1.
Bullpen decisions were a little weird tonight. Any reason why Venters only pitched to one guy in the 8th? It had nothing to do with lefties or righties though. Just weird. More weird by the fact that Roger McDowell came out to pull Venters out rather than Cox. I thought he was injured at first.
sag969 - July 7, 2010
it did have to do with matchups
venters pitched to two lefties. with two outs in the 7th, venters pitched to ibanez (LHH) and then to howard (LHH) to start off the 8th.
atl192485 - July 7, 2010
Right
And Werth is a righty, I get that bit.
But the two guys after Werth (Dobbs & Gload) are both lefties and below average hitters. Would make sense to let Venters deal with Werth even if it isn’t a favorable matchup, and then take care of the two lefties.
sag969 - July 7, 2010
the way Venters has been pitching, every match up is a favorable one
thenightstallion - July 7, 2010
haha yup
Very true!
sag969 - July 7, 2010
gload only PH because saito is a righty. manuel would’ve put in a RHH if bobby kept venters in the game.
i’m guessing bobby wanted saito vs. werth due to matchups, and trusted saito to get whoever was next out.
atl192485 - July 7, 2010
Meds had terrific stuff tonight; his location just wasn’t always there.
The HRs he gave up were Citizen’s Bank specials. The Howard dinger made me rage a bit.
get swoll yunel - July 8, 2010
I love watching that guy
Hit the ball 311 feet and then acting like he’s Reggie hitting that third one into the CF bleachers in ’77.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
I'm glad Soriano made the all star team!
Even if he is on the opposing team. He REALLY got screwed last year not making the all star team. Still think Wagner helps our side more than Votto. We need another lefty in the pen and it’s his last year!
GwinnettBraves - July 7, 2010 via mobile
but how is Votto not in the AllStar game…if the season ended today he would be a top 3 vote getter for MVP (in my eyes at least)
Swo12bv - July 7, 2010
He should be
But Manuel chose his guy over Votto. It sucks for Votto but SH. We need a solid lefty closer in the pen more than a 4th 1B IMO. Would I have put Votto on the team? Yes, but that didn’t end up happening.
GwinnettBraves - July 8, 2010 via mobile
his guy was Omar Infante
VivaLosBravos - July 8, 2010
Votto plays first base
Charlie took his Cliff Johnsonesque first baseman instead of Votto. Omar is no more taking Votto’s spot on the roster than Lincecum is.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
He IS, however, taking Zimmerman's.
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
Watch and see me cry about that.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
You clearly don't care.
That wasn’t my concern. But when Infante strikes out twice in an 11-inning game and the Braves lose game 7 on the road in the WS…what’ll you be doing, then?
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
that certainly seems like a bold prediction
Swo12bv - July 8, 2010
What, that the Braves will need 7 games in the WS?
:)
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
Thinking only of you.
Naturally.
Sam Jethroe - July 9, 2010
Howard shouldn't have even been batting that inning.
Meds nailed Ibanez with the 2-2 pitch, only to have that cut rate dweeb stand there and stare at him. He squeezed Kris like he was a roll of Charmin tonight.
Sam Jethroe - July 7, 2010
It happens, but the win is all that matters in the end.
TonyAlmeyda - July 7, 2010
All true
But I felt the need to get it on the record.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
Fantastic win
and series win. Martin Prado is a beast! Also, Matty D finally got his first homer! I said before the series that if we were to win it, Diaz would have to have a huge series, and he sure did. Great to see.
Fun Fact: The Braves have already won 5 series despite losing the first game. Those 5 series were against the Padres, Twins, Rays, Marlins, and Phillies, and all but the Rays series were on the road. That certainly bodes well for future playoff matchups, that ability to bounce back from a loss against tough teams.
Jacob Peterson - July 7, 2010
And a great fact -- thanks!
skymuse - July 8, 2010
also...
Atlanta is 14-1-3 in 18 series since losing two of three in Philadelphia in May. … Prado has both of his career multihomer games this season. … Braves OF Nate McLouth will begin a rehab assignment on Friday. … Phillies relievers Chad Durbin and Antonio Bastardo will start their rehab stints on Saturday. … A crowd of 44,282 was the 80th straight sellout at Citizens Bank Park.
look at the poor guy’s name…Antonio Bastardo. That has got to suck
hawves - July 8, 2010
All good facts
This is a resillient team that doesn’t get down or intimidated. You can’t always measure those things but they’re really important.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
Good win for the Braves
We really made a profound statement in Philly by going to their home park and winning the series. We could have swept if not for Halladay getting that outside corner all night. I felt as though all of the Phillies pitchers were getting those corner calls. Anyhow good win
drumzalicious - July 8, 2010
as Braves fans we really need to stop complaining about pitchers getting favorable calls…Maddux and Glavine had 4 feet wide strike zones..Its ok to whine about umpires being inconsistent…but dont complain about a wide zone for a good pitcher, we benefitted from it for 10 years or more
Swo12bv - July 8, 2010
Nonsense
Especially on a Braves board. I read enough of this swill from whiny Mets fans.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
Also:
the Braves are the first NL team to 50 wins!
Jacob Peterson - July 8, 2010
There's a fly in my room...
This is a big problem, i want to go to sleep but I can’t stand the thought of sleeping with a fly in the room.
SuperNewb - July 8, 2010
Seth Brundle
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
Fuckers will buzz in your ear at the most inopportune times.
get swoll yunel - July 8, 2010
Feels good to finally tag Moyer
I was getting tired of watching a senile old man stumble out on the field and hand us our lunch. Moyer is a feel good story. But I was tired of feeling it. If Phils fans were capable of humility, now would be the time.
Frozen Fan - July 8, 2010
We beat Moyer!!!
We beat Moyer!!!
We beat Moyer!!!
hawves - July 8, 2010
I'd like to apologize...
to the Phillies announcers.
I used to not like them, but they’re actually pretty good. I enjoyed their insight these past 3 days. Much better than the Mets dumbfuck announcers. Those guys are ridiculous.
Scott Coleman - July 8, 2010
Keith Hernandez
Brings enough dumbfuck to the table for twenty average men.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
oh my god
Ball gets hit in the gap, Mets player makes a nice play:
“WHAT A CATCH!!!!!! OH MY SHIT!!!!!!!! THAT’S ONE OF THE GREATEST PLAYS IN BASEBALL HISTORY. THIS METS DEFENSE IS INSANE!!!”
Ball gets hit in the gap, Braves player makes a nice play:
“And he gets incredibly lucky on the catch. To be honest, the Mets should’ve had the hit there. This guy on the mound for Atlanta is very hittable and he should feel lucky that the Mets hitter hit the ball so hard. I don’t see him staying in the game much longer. The Mets will tag him for at least 23 runs by the 3rd innning”
Scott Coleman - July 8, 2010
I like those stories
He tells about how he got crabs or ate some bad chicken when he was in the minors in Spooner, WI in ‘73. He’s a regular raconteur.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
when I read that, I didn’t think you were talking about the kind of crabs that you eat.
telemakhos - July 8, 2010
You and me both.
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
I wasn't.
Sam Jethroe - July 8, 2010
Whoa
What announcers are you getting that from because that’s not how Met announcers act.
Brian. - July 8, 2010
I disagree, Sarge absolutely rambles, I don’t think Wheels knows anything about non Phillies related baseball, and TMac is kinda eh.
bpk228480 - July 8, 2010
Oh yeah, suck it Philly:
Scott Coleman - July 8, 2010
Tsaito is driving me nuts.
He’s a reliable reliever…can be trusted to give up at least one run.
Buddy Holly - July 8, 2010
WTF?
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
Huh?
You’re saying that about a guy with a 3.66 ERA who’s given up runs in exactly 24% of his appearances?
MichaelProcton - July 8, 2010
To quote a “friend” of mine, haters will hate.
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
Inaccurate quotation
Mr. Sanchez - July 8, 2010
dammit. Haters need to hate?
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
Fail again
Mr. Sanchez - July 8, 2010
and I'd help...
but you put “friends” in quotes like I ain’t yours. So raspberries to you.
Mr. Sanchez - July 8, 2010
Those were joke quotes.
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
is it just me or did the umpire have a larger strike zone for moyer than medlan
williejay1 - July 8, 2010
without question
But it makes the W that much more satisfying. The Braves were like, “bump this shit,” and took it back.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 8, 2010
to be fair, the longer you pitch fairly sucessfully in the league the better strike zone you get. It’s just a right of passage (or should be), I see nothing wrong with giving the old man a little extra room – even to the detriment to our Braves.
Pavy848 - July 8, 2010
If the amount of time served corresponds directly to the size of a pitcher’s strike zone, Moyer should be getting a strike call on anything between the on-deck circles.
kidnarcolepsy - July 8, 2010
feels like 1995...
love this team..go Bravos!!
wisco - July 8, 2010
This season is a lot more fun to be an active member of TC than last season.
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
i miss last year on TC…there were less people and less dumb opinions…if only we could get last year’s membership (with the additions that have been remarkably helpful and provided great readds this year) and this yea’rs results…
Swo12bv - July 8, 2010
Throw in Sports Illustrated swimsuit models and a ’57 ’vette, and you just described my dream last night.
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
Not everybody is up to your standards, huh?
Scott Coleman - July 8, 2010
I mean, Holty~Panthers~Fan is pretty much a legend. Where would TC be without him? Or the guy in Justin’s sig?
Scott Coleman - July 8, 2010
Those were good times. I just like the level of discourse now more. With more writers producing top notch articles, this is a more educating site – for me, at least.
justincredubil02 - July 8, 2010
I like how every big thread turns into either a “Is KK good?” or KJ vs. Prado debate. I’m really looking forward to the trade deadline and the off-season.
Scott Coleman - July 8, 2010
Maybe we can trade JoJo and some other guys for KJ…
justincredubil02 - July 9, 2010
I’d be down for KJ. I’m not sure how he’d do in LF though, and I’m sure they’d move him out there. It could be like Adam LaRoche in 2009 all over again.
Scott Coleman - July 9, 2010
You are making me sweat…stop it.
justincredubil02 - July 9, 2010
I’ve been told I have that affect on people…
In all seriousness though, I do like KJ. He’s having a very solid year in Phoenix and he always plays well when I see him play in person.
I do have my worries though. He’s a lefty and hasn’t played LF in 5 years, so he doesn’t really bring the right handed bat nor the improved fielding the Braves have desired since forever ago. He also won’t come cheap, especially with another year of arbitration left. I feel like Wren would be backtracking if we sent a bunch of prospects to AZ, especially after we could’ve re-signed Kelly for like $3MM last year. I’m not so sure FW would do that.
The DBacks also have to worry about keeping fans in the seats, and a firesale of everyone not named Justin Upton wouldn’t help. KJ certainly isn’t a centerpiece, but he’s a good player and the fans seem to really like him. The DBacks are looking for any and all positive news, and trading their 2nd best hitter definitely wouldn’t do that.
Scott Coleman - July 9, 2010
and btw...
i think this is the first time we’ve internet-chatted and didn’t get into a debate. We’re taking steps in the right direction, my friend.
Scott Coleman - July 9, 2010
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