Kevin C. Cox - Getty Images
I like how Derrek Lee is basically patting Brooks on the head like he's a little kid. He may be small, but the dude's got some pop.
One of the running themes of this Braves season has been resiliency. Not just because of the Braves' resurrection following the 9-game losing streak, or even the numerous improbable comeback wins, but also because even the unheralded or ridiculed players have had moments in which they have raised their game when the team needed them to. Tonight, the resiliency came from Brooks Conrad and Derek Lowe.
Conrad, the 30-year-old rookie, is filling in for Martin Prado, who himself was filling in for Chipper Jones. He may not be an All-Star or an Atlanta legend, but in his 2-and-a-half games since replacing Prado, he's had some huge hits. The latest was a monster 3-run blast off of Marlins starter Andrew Miller that turned a slim lead into a comfortable one.
Lowe, who for much of his tenure in Atlanta has been public enemy #1, continued his fantastic September with a dominant performance. He struck out 9 Marlins and held them scoreless until his final inning (after the Braves had taken a 4-run lead). True, he threw a lot of pitches and didn't quite make it through the sixth inning, but much like Tim Hudson last night, he put forth a gutsy effort (on short rest) in his most important start of the year. That's what you want your veteran starters to do; that's why we're paying Lowe the big money. If Derek pitches like this in the playoffs, he might actually--*gasp*--be worth all that money.
Lowe's final line was 5.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, and 9 K. I'll take that every time.
Miller kept the Braves off the board despite a plethora of baserunners for the first 2 innings, but the Braves finally made him pay in the 3rd. Matt Diaz and Derrek Lee walked with 1 out (2 of the amazing 10 walks drawn by the Braves today). Alex Gonzalez, who had a terrible day at the plate, then flew out, but David Ross picked him up, scorching a double down the line to put the Braves up 1-0. Ross actually had doubles in his first three at-bats--not bad for a backup catcher. That brought up Conrad, who crushed a ball over the left-center-field wall to put the Braves up 4-0. Miller finished with a line of 3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, and 2 K. Ouch.
Last night's hero, Eric Hinske, drew a bases-loaded walk in the 8th to give the Braves an insurance run. The Braves' bullpen was excellent once again, as Peter Moylan, Mike Dunn, Craig Kimbrel, and Billy Wagner combined to shut out the Marlins for the last three-and-a-third innings. They gave up just 2 hits and 1 walk, and struck out 4.
Now, with the Giants and Padres not playing for a couple more hours, the Braves have put pressure on them to keep pace. At this point, the Braves know that no matter what happens out west, they will make the playoffs if they win 2/3 against the Phillies. Even winning 1/3 will all but ensure a postseason berth. It's actually possible for the Braves to clinch before they even start the Philly series (if both the Giants and the Padres lose tonight and tomorrow, the Braves will be guaranteed to finish ahead of at least one of them).
I'll close with a question: How many of you guys have tickets for this weekend, and if you don't, what are you waiting for? (Non-southeasterners get a pass here, obviously.)
0 recs | 115 comments
By the way,
I’ll be there Saturday for Bobby Cox
nightmidafternoon. Hopefully they’ll already have clinched by then, but if not, I look forward to seeing them celebrate on Bobby’s big day.Jacob Peterson - September 29, 2010
i think i read this on here somewhere a few days ago?
If I’m wrong I apologize!!!! Congrats on your nuptials PAC!!!!!
jdmarine - September 29, 2010 via mobile
You're correct,
and thanks!
Jacob Peterson - September 29, 2010
You need to do the pre/post game posts from now on. You have brought 2 sweeps (Mets/Marlins).
Keep it up!!!!!
BravesFanScout - September 29, 2010
haha, I know...
Everyone else has been slacking!
Jacob Peterson - September 29, 2010
Lovely WIN / SWEEP!
NCChopper - September 29, 2010
Weekends I wish I still lived in GA...
SuperHeyward - September 29, 2010
I <3 Brooksy!
Now let’s beat up on the Phillies – oh yes.
MBL1 - September 29, 2010 via mobile
So awesome
I really wish I had tickets to the game…but I’m up here in PA.
sag969 - September 29, 2010
I'll be down there for ALL three games
you guys, you ATL guys, should REALLY have no excuse not to make it out there for at least ONE game.
i think the Braves should give the tickets away for Bobby’s last game if they’re not already sold out. It’ll be awesome. I kinda wish it were still a night game. What time should we be in the seats for the tribute?
dank7 - September 29, 2010
wish I could make it......
but live in NC. But I hope they pack the house anyway
Shoert - September 29, 2010
Ooh where at?
I also live in NC. I would drive down to Atlanta in a heartbeat if I didn’t have to work this weekend.
Besides, the one game I was able to make it to this year they got pounded by the Cardinals. So I’m not sure you all would want me there anyway.
coldriver10 - September 29, 2010
Greensboro.....
and I’m a UNC fan, BUT, I like the Braves more, so we are still allies
Shoert - September 30, 2010
I love seeing all the NC folks here on TC :-)
NCChopper - September 30, 2010
Awesome
I’m working in Greensboro this year (but commuting from Durham…good times). It’s a nice city.
And it’s okay that you’re a UNC fan. Nobody’s perfect. ;)
coldriver10 - September 30, 2010
Nobody's perfect.......
espically not our football team
Shoert - September 30, 2010
At least you have a football team…
coldriver10 - September 30, 2010
sort of
Shoert - September 30, 2010
According to promos on TV
Standing room only tickets are $20. Not really that bad, especially if Saturday is a nice afternoon.
sag969 - September 29, 2010
I’ll be there Friday! Had a prior obligation on Saturday (though I could have made it up there, but it would have taken some working), and then even when I was looking on StubHub for tickets for Sunday about three weeks ago, they were already too expensive for me. Now I just don’t want SRO tickets!
And they’re saying to be in your seats by 3:15 on Saturday. :)
Sarahbeth - September 29, 2010
It’s my anniversary this weekend so I’ll be out of town. I’ll be keeping track of the team on my phone though…everyone have fun at the Ted this weekend.
Dave_D - September 29, 2010
You don't want to spend your anniversary weekend at the Ted?
I think clinching the Wild Card would definitely be the best anniversary gift.
E-Lizz - September 29, 2010
I'm an ATL guy
and have tix to the Oct 3rd game.
yay me :)
Sir Veza - September 29, 2010
680 the fan
Said to be in your seats by 3
Kineticist - September 30, 2010 via mobile
The braves ticket mgr told me no later than 3:15...via email
bravestatoo - September 30, 2010
We. Can. Do. This.
TennesseeQuackAttack8 - September 29, 2010
I'm a non-southeasterner...
and I still have no excuse.
kp.atl - September 29, 2010
COME TO ATLANTA!!
HOP IN THE CAR AND COME HERE!
E-Lizz - September 29, 2010
Not a bad idea
lol
kp.atl - September 30, 2010
This broom
be tastin mighty good tonight.
UMDBHIK - September 29, 2010
;)
Also,
Is there anyone left who thinks the Braves should have broke camp with Joe Thurston?
UMDBHIK - September 29, 2010
Who?...hee hee
bravestatoo - September 30, 2010
Went yesterday, went tonight
And am going to the final three games this weekend.
E-Lizz - September 29, 2010
you should sign up for the
Meet-N-Greet!
Check the Fanposts for info!
Sir Veza - September 29, 2010
:)
http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/9/28/1717357/talking-chop-meet-n-greet-oct-1-2-and-3
dank7 - September 29, 2010
Be there friday.
10-4 - September 29, 2010
Be there all 3 games.
kauf67 - September 29, 2010
I’ll be staying up all night Saturday to cook a pig for homecoming at church sunday, which means i may not even be able to stay awake once the Sunday game begins, so hopefully they clinch Saturday and i can crash once lunch is over Sunday.
10-4 - September 30, 2010
I’m going Friday and Saturday. I CAN’T WAIT!
tomahawklove - September 29, 2010
Derek Lowe is pitching like an ACE.
If we get in, how amazing would it be if he could continue his excellent body of work from September?
strider15 - September 29, 2010
I'll be there Friday!
Hoping to make my season record 6-0.
Sarahbeth - September 29, 2010
why don’t we just get a fund going so you stay there for the playoffs too
saipol - September 29, 2010
You’re about the third person to suggest this! And I absolutely couldn’t turn it down! Hell, I’ll just take staying for Saturday and Sunday. =D
Sarahbeth - September 29, 2010
cheapest/safest place to stay near is
If you have or have a “friend” with a military ID card…there is a Naval reserve base near Warner Robins that their Lodge charges under 20 bucks a night…the rooms are 2-star but because it is behind a guarded gate it is pretty safe.
bravestatoo - September 30, 2010
I'm 4-0 so far
and I’m going Saturday.
So between the two of us, the Braves are guaranteed to win the first two.
Jacob Peterson - September 29, 2010
Sounds good.
Especially since a friend of mine who is like 11-0 or something this season will be there for both of those games as well. It’ll be fun to see how this turns out.
Sarahbeth - September 30, 2010
hopefully you’ll cancel out my current 5 game losing streak.
10-4 - September 30, 2010
Well, I have no excuse
I’ll be getting some SRO tickets for the weekend. Damn peer pressure! Will there be a TC get-together before any of the games? It’d be cool to meet some other rabid Braves fans, especially some who can hold an intelligent conversation about baseball…
-InsertWittyNameHere- - September 29, 2010
:)
http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/9/28/1717357/talking-chop-meet-n-greet-oct-1-2-and-3
dank7 - September 29, 2010
Aha!
Good stuff. Thank you.
-InsertWittyNameHere- - September 29, 2010
I bought tickets for this weekend in April
BravesRaleigh - September 29, 2010
I did too (but only Bobby's Day) an added Friday's a couple of weeks ago
bravestatoo - September 30, 2010
But... but...
I was at the Monday night game! Doesn’t that count?
FineHamAbounds - September 29, 2010
Lowe has been pitching great and Mr. Clutch delivered as always. Does anyone want to doubt or not have faith in the decision to pitch Hudson and Lowe on three days rest now? Oh and does anyone want glaus to start at third? lol
Braves24 - September 29, 2010
Braves peaking at the right time
BRING ON THE PLAYOFFS!
king of games - September 29, 2010
Well, Well, Well, I must admit.
I was wrong I though without Prado we would throw in the towel but this team hasn’t all year I guess I was more upset about losing martin and I still think that is going to bite us in the butt at some point but hey I cannot wait for the Giants and Padres to beat up on each other this weekend. Philles are really going to take it light on us this weekend according to today’s telecast. According to Chip and Joe we will not see Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels may be on a pitch count if he pitches at all. Seems like the Phils are giving or at-least lettting the BRaves write their own ticket to the post season. Interesting b.c. once the season ends and the post season begins it is a whole new season. I would like to see us in it even if it is for one series, but the Phils took the longer division series so we will not see them in the first round they selected the 8-day one. Interesting just hope it comes back to bite them in ass.
Conrad has great party pop, hell what am I saying he has been huge for us this year, no way in spring training would anyone have guess he would have eight homers and one of them being a walk off grand slam, NO WAY.
GO BRAVES !
Holty_Panthers_Fan - September 29, 2010
Holy Run-on Sentence
But whatever, glad you came around.
-InsertWittyNameHere- - September 29, 2010
thats kind of his thing.
10-4 - September 30, 2010
why would we throw in the towel when we are leading the wild card?
Braves24 - September 29, 2010
Wow
Cubs blew a great opportunity in the 1st. Men on 2nd and 3rd nobody out and nobody scores
ATLBRVS_19 - September 29, 2010
the Cubs have really given us all the help we should expect from them
even if they lose the next two it’s not as big of a deal.
in fact it could potentially be better as it would keep the Pads close enough the the Giants to pass them or try to and let the Reds slip into the 2nd place overall spot in the NL. either situation makes for a better matchup than the Braves getting the Giants.
nuftjedi - September 29, 2010
Padres losses in the Cubs series are good for us, period.
We do want the Giants to lose, too, though.
Jacob Peterson - September 29, 2010
I can't find the game on TV tonight
I’ve been watching them on WGN the last two nights, but they are not on tonight.
I’m watching AZ and SF on ESPN.
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
Excellent choice.
TheLetter2 - September 29, 2010
:)
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
One of these days I’m going to get you some Matt Cain shots I took just for you earlier this year.
Lizziebeth - September 30, 2010
They're on Comcast Sports Net tonight
Fortunately I get to watch it….but it’s also unfortunate that I have to watch it
KJDH2154 - September 29, 2010
Ok Thanks
I can get that…
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
They're getting runners on, and Chris Young hasn't been all that sharp
So I have a good feeling about tonight, and now as I write this a HR gets robbed. UGH!!
KJDH2154 - September 29, 2010
yea
me too
Braves24 - September 29, 2010
1. Okay, can we finally give Lowe a break? The guy has been our best pitcher in a month where nothing was going right. I’ll admit he’s overpaid, but I’m glad to see the Lowe bashing subside for a bit.
2. How pathetic was the turnout today? Wow. I don’t care if the game was at 430. Wrigley seems to do okay with day games. We’re in the chase for the playoffs, and that’s the best Atlanta can do? I’m sorry, but it’s embarrassing. Oh well. I’m doing my part, and I’m flying up to Atlanta for Sat and Sun games. If we make the wildcard, I’ll fly up for those too. Come on, Atlanta. I expect more of you. I’m glad so many from TC will be coming from out of town this weekend. That’s why this site is so good — real fans.
ryantex - September 29, 2010
What was the attendance today?
I know that somewhere around 35,000 showed up last night, which is incredible for any sport on a week night in Atlanta.
alxn - September 29, 2010
36k last night, 36k tonight.
Very far from pathetic. Pretty good, actually, for a weeknight during the school year. The weekend is going to sell out, too.
Jacob Peterson - September 29, 2010
Yeah well
Those are ticket sales. They refuse to announce the actual attendance. But you’re right about this weekend. It will sell out and everyone will be there.
-InsertWittyNameHere- - September 29, 2010
I don’t look at numbers; I look at the seats, and a lot of them were empty today.
Weeknight? School year? No offense, but in the last week of the season, those kinds of excuses go out the window. Did you see the monday through wednesday games in Philadelphia last week? The seats were packed every night. And believe me, I hate to use them as an example.
I am sure the weekend will sell out though, which is great.
ryantex - September 30, 2010
yes but look at the type of fans
Philly has. Does it really look like they care about school or work?
SRSLY
Sir Veza - September 30, 2010
Apples and oranges.
Philly has a recent WS-winning team in a much bigger market with a (newer) stadium in a more convenient place and a much larger contingent of long-time die-hard fans.
It’s just like with the Tampa Bay controversy recently; each market has its own benefits/drawbacks. For the Braves, 36,000 for these midweek games is unequivocally a good figure. For the Phillies, 36,000 would be a tad disappointing. For the Rays, 36,000 would be amazing. As long as the place isn’t Marlins-empty, don’t dis the fans who don’t show up, compliment the fans who do show up.
Jacob Peterson - September 30, 2010
There are so many reasons why locals don’t attend more Braves games that are completely incomprehensible to those who don’t live in/near the Metro Atlanta area, and I’ve listed them so many times ad nauseum unto deaf ears, that I’ve simply just given up on trying to defend the argument.
royhobbs - September 30, 2010
AMEN a thousand effing times.
Attendance, blah, blah, blah…
Lizziebeth - September 30, 2010
Going to Baseball games is more of a
Northeastern US thing. Its an event to go to where people plan around alot like football down south.
Delaware Boiler - September 30, 2010
When they gave Lowe the standing O, it looked like a nice crowd for a 4:30 start. The fans were really into the game it appeared. Good to see…
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
Yeah, the standing O was definitely good to see.
ryantex - September 30, 2010
I had the game on SS until the last K of Lowe before he left the game…. then the channel went blank and didn’t return until after it was over so I missed that :-(
I’m so glad to see Lowe looking like he’s having fun on the mound, he’s really been one of the main reasons in Sept. that we’re even in the playoff hunt.
NCChopper - September 30, 2010
Think about where Wrigley is in Chicago... and how many people live there..
Then think about where the Ted is in Atlanta… and how many people live there…
SuperNewb - September 30, 2010
I'm a little disappointed that we don't have an open thread for tonights game!
KJDH2154 - September 29, 2010
Yep
A group of us had a blast last night. We just used the 2nd open thread, and were going to do so tonight, but the Cubbies and Padres were not on WGN, so very few could watch the game :(
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
Well, the Cubs should be ahead right now
Two home runs robbed so far tonight, one a solo shot from Soriano and one would have been a 2 run shot from Ramirez. This is frustrating!
KJDH2154 - September 29, 2010
I agree :(
C’mon Cubbies!
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
Kind of OT
For anyone interested on actually meeting the people behind the text. Check out info on the (1st?) official TC Meet-N-Greet:
http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/9/28/1717357/talking-chop-meet-n-greet-oct-1-2-and-3
Sir Veza - September 29, 2010
Went to tonight’s game and planning on going to 2/3 of the upcoming games. Good crowd for a 4:30 game.
award6 - September 29, 2010
It looked like the fans were really into the game too!
Good to see…
HEYJUDE - September 29, 2010
Pumped for this weekend
I’m 40-14 this year, be jealous of me living in Atlanta.
kauf67 - September 29, 2010
I am
ryantex - September 30, 2010
It is only Natural
kp.atl - September 30, 2010
Padres won :(
Oh well
BravesDawg16 - September 30, 2010
and the Giants won also....
HEYJUDE - September 30, 2010
Im going to Saturday
I was at Mondays and Tuesday. I am 12-5 this year, but the interesting thing is I bought a Bobby Cox jersey before the season started, and it is now 11-0. If it finishes undefeated, I am retiring it, framing it, and never wearing it again.
happyplayer23 - September 30, 2010
I'm coming from Kansas City
on Friday morning to go to all 3 games…no excuses from anyone not to make it :)
Dale Murphy for HOF - September 30, 2010
Drills
I have drills all weekend and will not be able to make any games. Damn Army : (
ArmyITSpec - September 30, 2010
im a poor college student
who has to live in the hell hole that is Philly
Delaware Boiler - September 30, 2010
Also, everyone can relax now. I’m 8-0 on the year and I’m going Friday and Saturday. LET’S DO THIS!
tomahawklove - September 30, 2010
omg hi Carlie.
I sure do hope this is Carlie, anyway. If not, this is kind of awkward.
Sarahbeth - September 30, 2010
Driving down from NC
Gonna be there for the FIRST two games before the playoff run begins.
Yyyyyeeeeaaah boy!
austrich - September 30, 2010
WHO ARE YOU
And what have you done with Derek Lowe??
In September, the guy has been an ace. In 5 games he’s lowered his season ERA by a half run. He’ll finish the year with an ERA right at 4.00. This month he’s allowed 3 walks in 30.2 innings while striking out 29 . 61 GB outs vs 29 FB outs in those 5 starts. Awesome.
A lot of us doubted this guy all year, myself included. But where would we be without him? What if we still had Javy Vasquez? I feel a lot better about our 3 man October rotation than I did a few weeks ago.
Go Braves
Fatvirus - September 30, 2010
See ya sunday.
I have been to 5 games this year. Including Ubaldo’s no hitter, Heywards walkoff against colorado, the game braves took first from Philly on memorial day, 11-6 vs brew crew on beach boys night and gonzo’s walk-off homer in extra innings against the cardinals.
4-1… not bad.
ATL_BUC - September 30, 2010
o snap
6 games. When huddy struck out 13 against the marlins.
Been to some memorable games this year.
5-1
ATL_BUC - September 30, 2010
holy crap
I was at all of those games also (except for the no-hitter)
See you Sunday.
Fatvirus - September 30, 2010
I'll be there on Saturday
I can’t effin wait. About 15 of us are going and we’re getting up there at 11 to tailgate.
Kineticist - September 30, 2010 via mobile
Flying in from DC tomorrow!
and the rest of the family is coming up from South Florida… we’re all going Saturday, and can’t wait! If my flight makes it in on time, I don’t know that I’ll be able to keep myself away from the Ted on Friday night either…
knarf - September 30, 2010
For all who whine about Derek Lowe...get over it!
No, he’s not worth $15 mil, but you can pencil him in for 15-16 wins every year and he has been our savior in this playoff push. BTW, what a bullpen we have, I love watching Craig Kimbrel!
Rick Z - September 30, 2010
I'd much rather have
D Lowe than Burnett right now hands down
Kineticist - September 30, 2010 via mobile
Or John Lackey, or any number of other guys making similar or more $$
Jacob Peterson - September 30, 2010
As much as we griped about Lowe earlier in the season, ever since they retooled his approach, he’s been fantastic.
AU_Jonesy - September 30, 2010
I haven't written one mean thing about him since.
Every time I complained, it was because I wanted him to do better. Anyone who saw him in Boston and LA knows he’s a number 1 level starter. I just got tired of never seeing that.
Sam Jethroe - September 30, 2010
Can't make Saturday
I’ll be in Auburn, but I do have tickets for Sunday. On one hand I hope it’s a meaningful game, but I’d rather us have that out of the way by then.
AU_Jonesy - September 30, 2010
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