This game did not look promising at all entering the 9th inning. The Braves had once again failed to support a great Tommy Hanson performance, and had once again used a poorly timed, horrific error to hand the opponent a lead late in the game. To make matters worse, the Dodgers' pitcher to start the 9th was the flame-throwing lefty Hong-Chih Kuo, who had already shut down the Braves on 7 pitches in the 8th. With the score 3-1 Dodgers and the Braves' win probability at only 7.8%, the outlook was certainly fairly bleak.
The Braves hadn't used up all their magic, though. Alex Gonzalez led off the inning with a bloop hit to left. He moved to second on a hard-hit single to right by Brian McCann (only the 4th hit by a left-handed batter off of Kuo this year). Then, after a wild pitch and a Troy Glaus foul out, Brooks Conrad walked to load the bases. That brought up pinch-hitter David Ross. With Ross announced, Joe Torre opted for the right-handed Octavio Dotel.
That proved to be a fateful decision, as Dotel was pretty wild. Ross got behind in the count but worked it full and then took ball 4, getting the Braves to within 3-2. Just like that, the Braves' win chances looked pretty good: bases loaded, 1 out, tying run on third (and a 52.1% win probability). But they were still trailing, and they've struggled with the bases loaded, so I'm sure some Braves fans were still nervous. And it's not like Melky Cabrera inspires lots of confidence (aside from ironic confidence).
We needn't have been nervous. The Melk-Man always* delivers. He took a bad swing at the first pitch but worked the count full, then slapped a single just past the shortstop into left field. One run scored. When Scott Podsednik couldn't field the ball cleanly, another run scored, and the Braves' victory was assured.
* sometimes
Melky also gets bonus points for throwing out Ryan Theriot at the plate on an attempted sacrifice fly to end the Dodgers' rally in the 8th inning. He wasn't much use in the first 7 innings (though he did smoke one ball that ended up being caught). But he came through twice when it counted late, and that was good enough for a win.
In that nightmarish Dodgers' 8th inning, Reed Johnson led off against Jonny Venters by smacking a bad-hop infield single off of Brooks Conrad's chest. Venters walked the next batter, Scott Podsednik. Theriot followed with a swinging dribbler down the third base line. Conrad charged, fielded, and... threw it into left field for an error that scored two runs. Venters struck out the next man and then induced the fly-ball double play (with help from Melky) to get out of the inning. Not allowing that fourth run turned out to be very important.
As for the starters, they both pitched excellently. In fact, their lines were very similar. Both went 7 innings, and both gave up only 1 run. Both gave up only 5 hits and walked only one. Billingsley struck out more (8 to 3), but neither deserved to lose. So I guess it makes sense that neither figured in the decision.
I do feel bad that we can't seem to score for Tommy, but once again he kept us in the game despite a struggling offense, and once again we came through after he left the game. I'm sure he'll take it. Anyway, it was a great win (and series win!). Hopefully the Braves can keep the momentum from this going against the Nats.
Stat of the Game
The Braves are now 14-0-2 in their last 16 home series. If we can get home field in any playoff series, we're going to be a force to be reckoned with.
MVPs
Melky Cabrera-- 1/4, 2 RBI, K, 0.315 WPA, OF assist
Tommy Hanson-- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 0.247 WPA
Honorable Mention
Brian McCann-- 3/4, 0.200 WPA
David Ross-- 0/0, BB, RBI, 0.210 WPA
Brooks Conrad's offense-- 1/2, 2 BB, R, SB, 0.171 WPA
LVPs
Octavio Dotel-- 0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, -0.688 WPA
Hong-Chih Kuo-- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K, -0.156 WPA
Braves LVPs
Brooks Conrad's defense-- crucial error leading to go-ahead runs
Troy Glaus-- 0/4, GIDP, K, killer foul out, -0.293 WPA
Clutch Play
Melky's walk-off hit (0.479 WPA)
Unclutch Play
Glaus' foul out in the 9th (-0.151 WPA)... Loney did make a nice play on it, though.
0 recs | 103 comments
haha
i literally laughed out loud at the always* meaning sometimes*
SouthernPanther - August 16, 2010
Me too.
Sarahbeth - August 16, 2010
me three
thats my new signature
Thanks Pac!
Zeus12888 - August 16, 2010
And the choice to put it in italics made it even funnier. Excellent. :-)
What a win! Baseball is such an amazing game.
WienerDog - August 17, 2010
Omar Infante has hit safely in 17 of the last 18 games
Crazy stat.
romone_braves91 - August 16, 2010
omar at 3rd
after prado comes back.
Xshare - August 16, 2010
I’m fine with him staying in the lineup, but Prado’s defense is better at 3rd than Omar’s. However I think I like the defense of Prado paired with Gonzalez better?
I think I’m just thinking out loud and in circles here.
Sarahbeth - August 16, 2010
WALKOFF #9
atl192485 - August 16, 2010
I am seriously cracking up here.
+1
Sarahbeth - August 16, 2010
pure awsomeness
to the max!
ChitownBravos - August 17, 2010
Make it green.
MBL1 - August 17, 2010
GG Guys
Now let’s sign Alvord and Sabol and call it a night.
Frank Wren: note that I did not say “trade for Aramis Ramirez”
kbertling353 - August 16, 2010
It didn't look like Podsednik didn't field it cleanly
I thought he just gave up on it because the winning run was already down the line towards home.
Xshare - August 16, 2010
And he has a noted noodle arm.
Bronn - August 16, 2010
rewatched the replay
I guess he woulda had a play, but it still kinda looked like he wasn’t trying very hard.
Xshare - August 16, 2010
I am sweatin' everyday
But a day the Phillies don’t gain ground is a good day. In fact it’s an excellent day, since we put some more distance between ourselves them. I love David Ross for being the scrappy walk off machine that he is, but man his defense is a liability. Anyone else notice that this error tonight was almost identical the poor throw he made to Glaus yesterday? Pretty much the exact same play, charging from third, throwing off balance.
Anyway here’s to claiming Aramis Ramirez, putting Prado at first and Infante at second (feel free to commence roasting me)
foxrobe - August 16, 2010
I forgot to say this but I meant to
Every night with the Braves is starting to feel like I do during every Saturday in the fall, every single game is so huge. I’m gonna pass out when we play Philly next.
foxrobe - August 16, 2010
David Ross and Brooks Conrad are seperate people.
Bronn - August 16, 2010
woops
Yeah def meant Brooks
foxrobe - August 16, 2010
LAWL
WienerDog - August 17, 2010
Even when they spoon?
UMDBHIK - August 17, 2010
David Ross != Brooks Conrad
but I figure you mean Brooksie..
Xshare - August 16, 2010
WOW
I was watching the game at work i saw the Omar Triple and Heyward Sac Fly. Then i saw Venters pitch and give up 2 runs and i decided to go home i check the score on my way home and we scored WTF this team is so frustrating at times
Erihury - August 16, 2010
20 games over .500
Has a nice ring to it. Damn I love this team.
romone_braves91 - August 16, 2010
and 20 wins in the last at bat! How is that possible?
romone_braves91 - August 16, 2010
That is not a coincidence.
MBL1 - August 17, 2010
This team is my favorite.
Now if only we could work on those errors a bit, we’ll definitely be in business. And by “definitely be in business”, I mean we’re obviously going to sweep the rest of the season.
Sarahbeth - August 16, 2010
The Melk Man Cometh
I could feel this one coming. I knew we would do it, somehow. The only part that scared me was Glaus’ out. Glad it wasn’t a DP. And I knew Connie would atone.
!Viva los Bravos!
(and Thank God Melky was in left for that one play. ridiculous.)
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 16, 2010
One more (promise) crazy stat out me. This from DOB.
Ridiculous.
romone_braves91 - August 16, 2010
Knock on wood
award6 - August 16, 2010
or better yet, don’t
and then there won’t be any homers
award6 - August 16, 2010
seriously
i remember when everyone was hyping the moylan home run streak…. and then the jhey/mclouth collision happened
atl192485 - August 16, 2010
I like the Braves
SuperHeyward - August 16, 2010
I don't trust you.
Bronn - August 17, 2010
I love the braves?
SuperHeyward - August 17, 2010
anyone else notice how "Braves win" is the #3 trending topic on twitter right now?
atl192485 - August 17, 2010
nvm
it’s gone
atl192485 - August 17, 2010
What's up top, now?
“Justin Bieber’s savage revenge”?
Sam Jethroe - August 17, 2010
Marcia Brady is still a Fox
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 17, 2010
I can't say it any better than this
Sam Jethroe - August 17, 2010
Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Greg Maddux, Chipper Jones, etc would/will all be proud.
I still want Phillie. We’re the only ones that can shut those Phuckers down, anyway.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 17, 2010
Another sweet CFB. and series victory.
UMDBHIK - August 17, 2010
It's to the point...
Where I refuse to turn off any game…Of course, I never do anyway…But I used to mentally shut down. After the bloop hit fell by Sea Bass, I knew we’d at least tie it…I could feel it. The dang Dodgers owed us a blown save after their melt down against the Phillies the other night.
Sometimes, I think the Braves should just spot a team 3 runs and then start the game in the bottom of the 7th…That’s kind of how we’ve been playing lately…But heck, a win’s a win!
Jman781 - August 17, 2010
Ethier’s catch was the Premier Play on Quick Pitch tonight.
BullManUGA - August 17, 2010
J-Hey
Even his outs are awesome
Bronn - August 17, 2010
It's funny because it's true.
Jacob Peterson - August 17, 2010
Am I the only one that feels like Heyward has gotten robbed a ton of times this season?
I think it’s because he hits the ball so damn hard.
get swoll yunel - August 17, 2010
He and Glaus both. It really annoys me too, because Ankiel gets these bloop hits and Gonzalez gets a HR on a ball that he missed, while Glaus and Heyward are stroking really well, and not really missing too badly on pitches lately.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
“Glaus and Heyward are stroking really well”
I just wanted to point this out and TWSS.
ChrisK562 - August 17, 2010
They stroke it to the left
they stroke it to the right
they be strokin!
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
Hopefully back to back.
UMDBHIK - August 17, 2010
Just sayin'.
He has not yet learned that he can get hits merely by glaring at the fielder while the ball is in the air.
One death stare from Heyward and I’d never field a ball again.
UMDBHIK - August 17, 2010
Sweet comeback win!
The Braves face the Nationals, Cubs and Rockies next while the Phillies face the Giants, Nationals and Astros. I think this is a stretch where the Braves can gain some more ground, even with Utley and Howard returning.
BRAVES / NATS:
Minor / Olsen
Hudson / Hernandez
Lowe / Lannan
PHILLIES / GIANTS:
Oswalt / Zito
Blanton / Cain
Hamels / Sanchez
TonyAlmeyda - August 17, 2010
Well
you’d have to figure we could pick up a game on Wednesday with Hudson / Hernandez and Blanton / Cain. Thursday’s matchups look good, too… But Minor / Olsen is tough for us, and the Phils have got Oswalt going that night, too. Let’s just not lose ground tomorrow, please.
Jacob Peterson - August 17, 2010
I would feel great about this upcoming stretch except for the fact that the Nats are like kryptonite to us.
get swoll yunel - August 17, 2010
The last time the Nats came to Atlanta, they lost two of three. The next two series against them will be in Atlanta, and the Braves have Hudson and Lowe pitching in this one. Hudson owns the Nats and Lowe has a 2.08 ERA in his last three starts. Anything less than two of three will be a disappointment.
TonyAlmeyda - August 17, 2010
Keep winning series like this, and the division is ours.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
I so hope you're right Justin :-)
NCChopper - August 17, 2010
Oooh..
A new box! Can’t wait to see that one checked.
Jman781 - August 17, 2010
If we win every series left on the schedule...
we definitely check box 3. That’s a tough task to accomplish, but it can be done.
Mr. Sanchez - August 17, 2010
+1000
traphicg - August 17, 2010
You forgot “Win the World series”
MBL1 - August 17, 2010
Patience my dear, patience. I have others. ;-)
NCChopper - August 17, 2010
I just can’t wait :)
MBL1 - August 17, 2010
If we really trade for Aramis F'ing Ramirez
I’ll hit something. Hard. And then hit it again.
Scott Coleman - August 17, 2010 via mobile
i'll laugh
kbertling353 - August 17, 2010
he’s not a bad player. he just is overly expensive and the only way i would take him is if
A. they took lowe
or
B. they included vitters in a deal
drumzalicious - August 17, 2010
I think I’d want both of those things to happen.
Or instead of Lowe, they take McLouth AND KK in the deal.
Scott Coleman - August 17, 2010
i dunno. for some reason i would rather shed lowe than mclouth and KK. just because they both will be gone after next year and lowe will still be here in 2012
drumzalicious - August 17, 2010
Oh, I would too, but I’m just saying that’s an option.
Let’s just not get Aramis Ramirez and call it a day. I’d be fine with Brandon Inge though, as long as it doesn’t cost much. Or we could just see what Infante and Prado do, which is what I think FW will do for at least a few days.
Scott Coleman - August 17, 2010
I wouldn’t want him for Lowe, KK, and McLouth.
John Holton - August 17, 2010
He’s a massive upgrade over anything we can throw out there right now.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
Yeah, but he’s sure as hell not worth that contract.
You do realize that if this really happens we’ll be paying a 35-year old Ramirez like $13MM in 2012, right?
I’m not sure about you, but I’ll keep our $25M over the next two seasons and go with Prado at 3rd for two months, and then re-examine the situation in the offseason.
Scott Coleman - August 17, 2010 via mobile
Just because we bring him in for the WS push doesn’t mean we keep him for next year (if Chipper can come back).
Besides, Ramirez for $13M seems like a decent price to me. The dude can hit when healthy.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
It's gotten a little lost in all the excitement over the 9th inning
But MVP’s throw, and Theriot getting a big heaping facefull of Heep, was great, too.
Sam Jethroe - August 17, 2010
yeah i bet
there were little birdies flying in circles over his head…
all cartoony like
ChitownBravos - August 17, 2010
Melky’s 2 KEY plays in that game helped give us the win.
BMac covered home plate well that time. Shoulder to the head – ouch!
NCChopper - August 17, 2010
I like that Fangraph
Also, for all the WPA haters, last night was the perfect illustration of how all runs are NOT the same. Excellent timing of that lesson, Bravos.
fphjr01 - August 17, 2010
Went to the game last night
Jim Powell said it best: “20,000 sounds like 40,000”
Awesome energy in the ninth from, realistically, 15,000 Monday night fans.
Fatvirus - August 17, 2010
~
Chief Noc-A-Homa - August 17, 2010
Pure awesomeness.
ChrisK562 - August 17, 2010
Nice!!
heyward4prez - August 17, 2010 via mobile
Very creative!!!
NCChopper - August 17, 2010
What a great team
as if we need MORE reasons to stay attached to every damn pitch these days….. Wow, postseason realities…..
traphicg - August 17, 2010
Patriotism vs. Fanhood
I have a crisis here. Last night marked the first time I;ve ever cheeered against a Taiwanese pitcher. I feel like Benedict Arnold. But the Braves won so it can’t be all that bad right? Why did Torre have to switch closers before this series? If the Brves had scored those runs against Broxton I wouldn’t have this problem. Somebody help me…
hawves - August 17, 2010
While it's not the exactly the same...
I root against Frenchy. He’s from Gwinnett County, Georgia, where I am currently located.
It’s cool. You get used to it. Plus, now you can go back to rooting for him to help keep either the Giants or the Padres out of the Wild Card.
Plus, we can all root for Wang to dominate the Phils and the Mets when he returns to form.
Jman781 - August 17, 2010
where are tommy's strikeouts?
I love that he’s being efficient and pitching deep into games, but it would be nice to see some big strikeout numbers again.
kswissreject - August 17, 2010
Strikeouts are so last season...
Everyone’s pitching to contact this year. It’s the newest, hippest pitching strategy in town.
And, if you look at the actual numbers, that may bear a little truth…the K leader is on pace to finish with about 250, about 15-20 less than in the past few years. I looked at a few other pitchers as well, and it seems to be a little down across the board.
-C
cthabeerman - August 17, 2010
137 k’s in 148IP for Tommy so jus under 1 per inning..I say it won’t be long and he will have a nice 12+ K game
heyward4prez - August 17, 2010 via mobile
forget strikeouts
where are his winz? I need more W’s for fantasy team.
Sir Veza - August 17, 2010
BTW
I don’t blame Tommy for the lack of W’s. It’s the offense.
Sir Veza - August 17, 2010
Melky still sucks though
Albert K - August 17, 2010
False.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
Lol how?
He has been one of our more consistent hitters all season
heyward4prez - August 17, 2010 via mobile
He doesn’t have any power…. We have no power-hitters with the exception of McCann and Heyward….. To beat teams like Texas in the World Series we need a better bat than that fat slug
Albert K - August 17, 2010
Lack of power /=/ suckage.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
Although he can hit singles and occasionally some doubles
Albert K - August 17, 2010
Occasionally? He has 21 right now – good for 3rd on the team – the same exact amount as Chipper, btw.
He also is tied for the team lead in triples – not bad for a “fat slug”.
justincredubil02 - August 17, 2010
Fat Slug?
Really?
Jman781 - August 17, 2010
Really?
He’s not great, but he doesn’t “suck.”
MBL1 - August 17, 2010
Yeah
He sucks the living, beating heart out of our unsuspecting opponents when they least expect it!!!
Sam Jethroe - August 17, 2010
Brooks Conrad
I have said it here last week. Brooks Conrad is a wonderful hitter in the clutch, but his D would hurt the team tremendously. He has proven that to be true. On of the 1st things I was taught in LL when playing the infield was you had to sometimes take balls of the chest. If Conrad would have squared up that ball last night, it would have hit either his glove or his chest. Then with plenty of time he can make an easy play for the out. Then moments later with the game on the line, he makes a terrible throw that allows two runs to score. I really like Conrad, hit is a dangerous bat and can make the routine plays. But when Prado comes to 3rd and Infante at 2nd, this is a much better team. I can relax!
jerryr - August 17, 2010
Great win
and series
Braves24 - August 17, 2010
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