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.

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.

Marlins and Braves

Just six games into the young MLB season, the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves are battling for the top spot in the NL East. It's early. Very, very early in the 162 game season of 2009. But, if you're a fan of one of these two franchises, you can't help but feel excited about the future of your team. As a lifelong Braves fan, my main concern is the bullpen. From what I've seen, it appears as if Atlanta has embraced a philosophy that served them best during their 15 year reign as NL East Champs; pitching and defense. Don't get me wrong. There are holes on this roster. Although the starting 5, led by newly acquired ace, Derek Lowe, seems solid, the bullpen ain't as strong. But, if healthy and capable of chewing up innings, the Braves starting rotation could take some heat off their later inning replacements. I guess you could say that the key to Atlanta's success is keeping the relief pitchers fresh. Throughout the latter portion of last season, their over worked bullpen collapsed.

As for the fighting fish from Florida, 2009 might be the year this
squad re-emerges as a NL power. Led by Hanley Ramirez and youngsters, Emilio Bonifacio (3B) and Cameron Maybin (LF), the Marlins could be a serious threat in the NL East. Although others are content to wait until Memorial Day before they analyze records and "jump on bandwagons," I can confidently say that Florida's 5-1 start demands recognition. This is a franchise that knows how to build a contender. The Marlins draft well and trade well, even if it means dealing player(s) the home crowd adores.

On Tuesday night, these two southern rivals begin a three game series at Turner Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 eastern as Javier Vazquez (4.50 ERA) takes the mound for Atlanta. Opposing him will be Marlins pitcher, Chris Volstad, who brings a 1.80 ERA into this contest. On Wednesday night, Atlanta's ace, Derek Lowe takes on Florida's Andrew Miller. Lowe enters the game with an ERA of 0.82 and Miller brings a respectable 3.86 ERA to Turner Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM Eastern. Thursday afternoon at 12:10 ET, Kenshin Kawakami is slated to make his second start for the Braves. The 33 year old import from Japan looks to improve upon an ERA of 4.50. The Marlins will give the ball to 25 year old Anibal Sanchez. The 3 year veteran from Venezuela enters this match up with 5 K's and an impressively untouched ERA of 0.00.

Sporting identical records of 5-1, the Braves and Marlins both hope to make a statement in this series. This is the most exciting match up of the young 2009 season. Championship caliber teams don't win divisions in August, they build upon their foundation for success now! Don't shrug off the importance of this series, regardless of the fact that it will be played in April. The Marlins travel to Atlanta and take on the Braves Tuesday night. Don't miss one pitch!