Braves vs Nats

A rainy night in Washington caused Friday's game between the Nationals and Braves to be postponed. Stephen Strasburg will get the series started at 4:05 this afternoon, when he throws the first official pitch. Instead of Mike Minor opposing him on the mound, Atlanta will turn to Brandon Beachy, who is 5-3 with an ERA of 1.77 in 2012. Today's matchup is very intriguing, as a couple of the game's best young pitchers will duel in D.C.

Catching up with the Atlanta Braves

At 7:05 on Friday night, Atlanta's Braves will be in D.C. as they take on the first place Washington Nationals. With a winning percentage of .538, Atlanta trails the Nats by 2 games in the NL East. The visitors will send former Commodore, Mike Minor, to the mound. The 24 year old south paw is off to a rough start in 2012, with a 6.98 ERA and diminutive record of 2 wins and 4 losses.

Meanwhile, Washington will be represented by the hard throwing Stephen Strasburg. The former San Diego State Aztec has recorded 70 strike outs, along the way to an impressive 5-1 record. With an ERA of 2.64, the right handed pitcher has held opponents to a .223 batting average.

Looking to improve their infield, Atlanta will replace shortstop Tyler Pastornicky and his 7 errors with minor league prospect, Andrelton Simmons. Although he has yet to play an inning above double A ball, Simmons is expected to provide the Braves with a huge upgrade defensively.

Braves Sweep Snakes

Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves completed a 3 game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks at Turner Field. Tomahawk shortstop, Alex Gonzalez, provided the game's only offense, with a third inning solo shot to left field. The 1-0 victory pushed Atlanta's wild card lead to 8 games over San Francisco and 8.5 ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Tonight, the Braves will be in Wrigley Field, as they take on Chicago's most disappointing ball club. Scuffling toward a 56-71 record can't be any fun for Cubs players and fans. Throw into the mix, a half azzed "retirement" of Carlos Zambrano and the firing of GM Jim Hendry, and I think it's safe to say this has been another weird season in the Windy City.

On the mound for the visiting Braves will be Jair Jurrjens. J.J. is making his second consecutive start after returning from a 15 day stint on the DL. Dude is 12-4 with an ERA of 2.84.

As for Chicago, Ryan Dempster gets the rock. The Canadian born pitcher is currently 10-8 with an ERA of 4.61. Throughout his 13 year career, Ryan is credited with 112 wins alongside 110 losses and an ERA of 4.39.

Hopefully, there will be no "sunflower seed" incidents in this series. For more on that, check out Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. You can click on the title of this post for a direct link.

Fried Hot Dogs, Cheese Grits, and Atlanta Braves Baseball

Woke up this morning in need of a little B & B...breakfast and baseball. Now that I've gotten a few bites in, let's talk about them Braves.

Friday night, Atlanta opened a 3 game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with Derek Lowe on the mound. And, the 14 year veteran did something new...he pitched like he used to. Lowe struck out seven snakes in 5 innings and blanked the visiting squad in a short but effective start. Rookie reliever, Aroyds Vizcaino allowed 2 runs in the seventh, but that was the only noise Arizona could make against Braves pitching.

New Atlien, Michael Bourn started the scoring for Atlanta with a solo homerun in the first inning off DBack, Daniel Hudson. In the 3rd, All Star Brian McCann said "hello," with a 425 foot blast to right. The Braves would lead 3-0, until a rejuvenated Larry Jones stepped into the batter's box during the 6th. With 2 outs, Chipper connected on a solo shot to left field, giving the Braves a 4-0 lead.

Friday's 4-2 victory increases Atlanta's advantage to 7 games over Arizona in the Wild Card race and 7.5 over struggling San Francisco.

The Braves and Snakes square off again at 7:10 tonight. Brandon Beachy will take the mound for the home team. He is 5-2 with an ERA of 3.43 in 2011. Meanwhile, Arizona will call upon Louisiana native, Wade Miley. The 24 year old lefty will be making his Major League debut, after cruising to a 4-1 record with an ERA of 3.64 at the Triple A level.

Almost forgot to mention, this is Kennesaw State Alumni night at Turner Field. Ya'll get to "parade around the outfield," if you purchase tickets for the event.

Braves Vs Frisco

Here's the skinny on Atlanta Braves baseball...

America's favorite tomahawkers are 72-51 after 123 games. That ain't a bad mark, unless the seemingly flawless Phillies reside within your division. In this case, they do. And that might be a problem. With a 7.5 game lead, Philadelphia has just about locked the division down, en route to claiming another NL East pennant.

Now for the good news... Atlanta created a little breathing room in the race for the NL Wild Card, by taking the first 2 games in a 4 game series vs San Francisco. With a 6 game lead over the champs, tonight's contest could be pivotal for either side. If the Braves can squeak out another victory, the lead expands to 7. If not, it shrinks back to 5 with 39 regular season games remaining.

The first pitch is slated for 7:10, as Jair Jurrjens returns to Atlanta's rotation after spending 15 days on the disabled list with a strained right knee. Dude is 12-4 with an ERA of 2.63 in 2011. Meanwhile, Matt Cain will take the mound for the World Series Champion, San Francisco Giants. Cain has posted a 9-9 record with an ERA of 3.00.

Braves vs Rocks

Last night, the Atlanta Braves played like a team I might ask to kick rocks. But, the 12-3 whoopin' Colorado laid upon 'em accounts for just one L in the loss column. And, the first place phils are just 4 games better than the dudes from ATL. So, I'm gonna let that one ride.

Tim Hudson will be looking for his tenth victory tonight, as he squares off against rookie hurler, Juan Nicasio. In his first MLB season, the 24 year old Dominican Republican has posted a respectable 4-2 record, including a 4.24 ERA for Colorado.

Jason Heyward will be back in the Braves lineup, after sitting out the last 2 games with a boo boo on his foot. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 eastern.

Sounds like somethin' funky is 'bout to go down. Click on the title of this post.

Braves vs Champs

Looking to sweep last season's World Series Champs, the Atlanta Braves are up to bat in the 8th inning. A leadoff HR by former Fish 2B, Dan Uggla, tied the score at 6. Here's the rest of the skinny...

Rookie Brave, Brandon Beachy, allowed 2 runs on 3 hits through six innings. The young fella also fanned seven Frisco batsmen. With the score 2-2, Jason Heyward connected on 3 run homer, and Atlanta took a short lived 5-2 lead in the 7th.

Then came the bottom of the inning and Jairo Asencio took the mound for Atlanta. And, that was not a good thing for the Braves. It was downright ugly, as the baseball Giants scored 4 times on 4 hits and a walk with the bases loaded.

Update: Cody Ross batting for Frisco in bottom of 9th. Score remains tied at 6.

I'll post more updates in the comments section, unless I'm too busy watching the Hawks vs Dwight Howards. Game 4 tips off without Zaza Pachulia and Jason Richardson, soon. Good guys lead the series 2 games to one.

Fish Take Series

Tonight's Turner Field crowd witnessed another game and another poor performance by a Braves starter. Rookie, Brandon Beachy, gave up 3 first inning runs to the Florida Marlins. But, the Atlanta bats provided 4 on the flip side. However, that scrawny azz lead didn't last long. With 2 out in the second inning, an RBI single by Hanley Ramirez tied the score at 4.

In the 3rd inning, Florida's Gaby Sanchez gave the Fish a one run lead, by drilling a solo HR, much to the dismay of every Tomahawk fan in attendance. Reformed Marlin, Dan Uggla, retied the contest at 5, with a round tripper of his own in the bottom of the fourth. And little changed, until the sorry azz seventh inning.

Florida's John Buck RBI singled in Gaby Sanchez and the Fish took the lead 6-5. Unfortunately, this capped tonight's scoring in Atlanta.

After a 5-0 victory in game 1, the Braves just lost an early series against their foes from Gator Country. Although this currently sucks, it's a long season with many games left on the calendar.

Fiesty Fish

After just one half an inning in Atlanta, Florida has already plated 3 runs. Not a good start for Braves rookie pitcher, Brandon Beachy. Leading 1-0, Marlin Mike Stanton drove in 2 additional fish with an RBI double down the left field line.

This one started to feel like the Braves were in trouble, before the popcorn man could advertise his presence at the Ted. (Cold beer, anybody?)

But, Martin Prado and Nate McLouth decided to bring their bats, tonight. The first and second batters in the Braves first inning produced back to back singles. With runners on first and third, Chipper Jones didn't wait long, to drive in his 1,501 RBI. Facing a 3-2 count, Larry sent an RBI single through the right side of the infield.

Brian McCann followed with a 3 run blast over the right field fence. After a discouraging start, Atlanta leads 4-3 after one inning of play.

Go Braves!

Look for updates in the comments section.

Chipper Jones 1,500 RBI

Trailing 5-0, Atlanta was staring at a pretty dismal night on the Turner Field turf. Aided by the poor performance of Braves starter, Tim Hudson, the Marlins took early command of tonight's game.

But, Chipper Jones provided the home town crowd with a history making moment. With 1 out in the bottom of the ninth, Jones drove a solo HR over the centerfield fence and became the 51st MLB player to record 1,500 RBIs. He is just the 3rd switch hitter in baseball history to accomplish such a feat.

Although Atlanta lost 5-1, this is a great day in Braves history.

Fish battering Braves

On this night in Turner Field, Atlanta's Tim Hudson pitched a Terrible game. The former Auburn Tiger surrendered 7 hits and 5 earned runs. Quite frankly, Hudson was at his worst during the first through third innings. After that, he began to settle down. But, the Sunshine staters had already taken command of the contest.

Making matters worse, the Braves seem to be swinging aluminum foiled bats.

Braves manager, Fredi Gonzalez, is currently wearing that crazy eyed, "What just happened?" expression on his face. But I can't blame him. I am too.

After 7 frustrating innings in Atlanta, Florida's Josh Johnson has yet to yield a hit. This one looks gloomy, but there are still 2 innings left.
Go Braves!

UPDATE: ATLANTA HAS A HIT!! Rookie Freeman with a 1 out double in bottom of 8th and Josh Johnson is done for the evening.

Braves and Fish - Game 2

Florida's Josh Johnson has been spotted an early 1 run lead in tonight's game between the dudes from Gator Country and the Red, White, and Blue clad Braves.

Starting pitcher, Tim Hudson, avoided a potential big fish inning in the first, when Marlin Mike Stanton grounded into a double play to retire the side.

As I type, Prado and McLouth have grounded out. With 1,499 RBIs in his MLB career, Chipper Jones stands inside the batter's box... and takes a base on balls. McCann now batting... Mac goes down on strikes.

Look for some updates in the comments section and feel free to provide your thoughts on tonight's action. Go Braves!

Braves beat Fish

Well, it was good to see Tommy Hanson not suck tonight. He threw 7 shut out innings for the Tomahawks, as Atlanta took the first of a 3 game series against the Marlins.

Jason Heyward and Brian McCann hit solo shots that might still be flyin' over the state of Georgia. But, it was Martin Prado, who caused Chris Volstad to start unraveling on the mound. With 2 out in the 3rd, the Braves left fielder singled and scored on a double off the bat of Nate McLouth. Then, Chipper Jones came through with an RBI single and just like that, Atlanta led 2-0.

With the game still resembling a potential pitcher's duel, Jason Heyward made his presence known with a solo HR in the 4th inning. The Bravos led 3-0 and Volstad was in trouble.

Fast forward to the 5th. Prado led off the inning with a double and was advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Nate McLouth. With a teammate 90 feet away and 1 out, Jones delivered once more. His sac fly put Atlanta on top
4-0. Then, with 2 outs and the bases clear of Braves, Brian McCann drilled a solo HR all the way from Atlanta to Augusta.

Former Fish, Alex Gonzalez, made some sensational plays at second base for the Braves, as Atlanta would win 5-0.

Fish in ATL

The Braves and Marlins have just begun their 3 game series in Atlanta. After an uneventful 1st inning, Marlin Mike Stanton drilled a leadoff double in the top of the 2nd. But, Florida left him stranded 90 feet away.

Tommy Hanson is hoping to shrink his ugly 6.00 ERA down a bit.
For the fish, Chris Volstad (1.80 ERA) has been impressive through 2.

After 3 and a half, Florida has 2 hits but no runs. Atlanta just has nothing. Freeman, pitcher, Prado due up for Bravos.

If this one gets interesting, I'll provide some updates in the comments section.

Braves Update

Since I last typed anything relating to the Atlanta Braves, they've won back to back games. It was good to see the tomahawks take their first series of the season, beating the Nats twice in Washington.

On to Milwaukee... Dan Uggla and Martin Prado solo HRs in 8th put Bravos up 2-1. That was all the offense Atlanta would need. Craig Kimbrel recorded the save.

Undefeated Braves

Love what I saw from the Braves today. Great starting pitching (Derek Lowe), backed up by solid defense, just enough offense, and a very strong effort from the bullpen. Jason Heyward became the second player to hit home runs in the first 2 at bats of his first two seasons (the other was a New York Met).

For Washington, Livan Hernandez pitched a nice game, giving up just 2 scrawny azz runs. And, at one point he retired 15 straight Braves batters.

Chipper Jones went 2-4 with a double and silent single. Jones also scored the first run of the 2011 MLB season on a Brian McCann one sacker in the first inning. Good win for the Braves and a great way to open up the season.

Opening Day

At one o'clock this afternoon, the Atlanta Braves open up the 2011 season in Washington. It's hard to believe that baseball's back... and so is Chipper Jones.

On August 12 of last year, I thought his prolific career in Atlanta was over. Then 38 years young, Jones had just torn an ACL attempting to make a spectacular play at third base. Well, I've never felt better about being wrong in all my life.

Welcome back Chipper. It's good to know that I can put the "Retire the #10" talk on the shelf for at least another season.

Longtime Braves nemesis, Livan Hernandez will take the mound today as the Nats square off against the Bravos. Derek Lowe will get the start for Atlanta.

Ay Dios Mio

Don't worry. Ya'll ain't on the wrong site. Truth be told, I couldn't find an appropriate phrase in the english language for the title of this post. So, I found some espanol on the Internet. Ay Dios dang Mio... Or something like that. I think it means, "Oh my God."

Now, let's get to the point. The Atlanta Braves just got swept in Colorado. The Braves led 10-1 today, before the Rockies got up off the deck and punched Atlanta in the face. Just like Frazier, the Braves had no defense for the blows thrown against them. This was an outcome unfitting a champion. Truly, it wasn't right. At one point, I thought my mind was playin' tricks on me. Ay Dios dang Mios. The Braves got KO'd today.

Don't get me wrong. The Braves have a chance to rebound from this defeat. Not against Foreman/Colorado. That match is done and over with. But, the former division champs must get their swagger back! Atlanta will try to catch something decent, when they host the Marlins on Friday night at Turner Field.

Until then, click on the title of this post. Foreman vs Frazier. That's all you need to know.

Brooks "Freakin" Conrad

I know what you're thinking. Who in the -censored text- is Brooks Conrad? Well, he's an infielder for the Atlanta Braves and you better know that. This dude just momentarily saved the Braves from a likely loss by blasting a 2 run HR far above the Houston skies.

Troy Glaus has also gone deep after an ineffective at bat by Brian McCann in the 9th inning. And, all of a sudden, the Braves are in position to steal a victory from Houston. With a scrawny azz 1.5 game lead on Philadelphia, Atlanta needs all the wins they can get. The Phillies ain't goin' away, ya'll.

Let's just hope the Braves bullpen can lock this one down. "Wild Bill" Wagner can be erratic. So can Atlanta's defense (3 errors tonight).

I didn't get this posted in time to provide any further theatrics. Wagner just recorded the save. Guess I gotta work on my typing speed.

Go Braves!

Fading Braves

It's been a long time, since I've mentioned the Atlanta Braves on this blog. Well, there's a reason. Although I was less than thrilled with the start to their season, I chose to shut up and give 'em some space. Coincidence or not, they caught fire during my self imposed MLB silence and built an 8 game lead in the NL East. But, my Bravos are having issues again. So, maybe it's time to "un-jinx" 'em one more time. Here's the deal...

Atlanta has struggled mightily over the last few weeks. Clutch hits have become non-existent, as the Braves continue to squander away the efforts of a solid pitching staff. First baseman Troy Glaus carried this team, with a Herculean bat in June. Unfortunately, he's starting to portray an image of Superman choking on a kryptonite laced buffet. It's ugly. So dang ugly, that the bat of Glaus has become a .130 (batting average) sized toothpick, with a whittled down slugging percentage of .174 and 3 scrawny hits during his last six games.

Meanwhile, the dastardly Phillies have added ace, Roy Oswalt, to their already solid pitching rotation. After a hard fought victory over the annoying Gnats in Washington, Philadelphia sits just 2.5 games back of Atlanta. It seems like just the other day, the Braves were cruising toward a NL East title. But, it's a long season and a lot has changed, quite rapidly within the division.

Don't get me wrong. It ain't time to panic in Atlanta. But, the recent acquisitions of outfielder Rick Ankiel and RP Kyle Farnsworth will provide little more than a laugh track for Braves opposition. All Star 2B, Martin Prado, is gimpy (day to day) and Atlanta is in dire need of an offensive MVP. Somebody will step up. That's how the script is 'sposed to read, ain't it? I just wonder, who will it be?

Next up for Atlanta is a much needed return to the friendly confines of Turner Field. On Monday night, the Braves will face the meaningless NY Mets at 7:10 ET on ESPN.