Marietta's Oudin

Don't look now, but Marietta's Melanie Oudin (pronounced oo-dan?) is starting to make some noise on tennis' grandest stage. The 17 year old phenom has won her first two matches at Wimbledon and will face Poland's Agniezka Radwanska in the round of 16. "She can play with these girls," said coach Brian deVilliers. Dude must have some psychic connections. Just kidding. But this is a compelling story to follow, in a sport that's mostly boring. Good luck Melanie. Hope you shock the world. I won't be watching, but I'd love to read about it on the ESPN ticker.

Boston vs Braves

My Braves just lost again. This one was a brutal 1-0 defeat to the Red Sox. The season is getting long and the losses are piling up. Although the other NL East contenders ain't running away with the pennant, the distance between Atlanta and first place seems like a hundred miles. Every loss is a lost opportunity to gain some ground. The Braves' post season chances are starting to wave goodbye to Atlanta in the rear view mirror. If GM Frank Wren wants to see this team succeed, he must act NOW. The Braves desperately need another bat in the lineup and at least one more dependable arm in the bullpen. If Atlanta stays with the status quo, it will be 4 straight years without a post season appearance for the Braves. That ain't acceptable around here! But, there is some good news. College football is one day closer.

Sean Costello Band

I know this is supposed to be a sports blog, but if anyone is interested in hearing some authentic blues, you need to get down to Centennial Park on Thursday afternoon or to Ray's on the River this Saturday night. Sean Costello's band will be performing some of their trademark hits in honor of his memory. Costello was an incredibly talented guitarist, song writer, and musician. Unfortunately, he left this world behind on April 15, 2008. Sean was just 1 day shy of 29 years old at the time of his passing. One of the highlights of his career, was the opportunity to play alongside the legendary B.B. King in 1997. Costello's band drew high praise from the blues community for their 2002 album titled "Moanin' for Molasses." If you have the opportunity to see these guys perform, make the most of it.

You can also check them out on youtube. Type in Sean Costello or Melvin Zachary. (Or, you can just click on the title of this post).

Bad Calls Crush Braves

The Atlanta Braves just fell victim to some of the WORST officiating in the history of baseball. With 2 outs and men on 1st and 3rd in the 9th inning, Pittsburgh Pirate Andy LaRoche took strike three. This pitch should have ended the inning, but the bum behind home plate erroneously called it ball 3. LaRoche was granted new life vs Braves reliever Rafael Soriano. Andy drilled a 3-2 pitch up the middle for a 2 run single, that turned out to be the difference in today's game.

The Braves had a potential 9th inning rally cut short, as the umpires blew another call. A single by Kelly Johnson would have brought the tying run to the plate with one out in the Atlanta 9th. But, Johnson was called out at first base. The throw from Adam LaRoche to Matt Capps clearly did not beat Kelly to the bag. Replays showed Johnson touching first base in a perfectly synchronized stride with the Pittsburgh pitcher. A tie is supposed to go to the runner. Unfortunately, the 1B umpire made a horrible call, and ruled the runner out. With 2 gone and all momentum lost, catcher Brian McCann struck out to end the game.

Tough loss for the Braves, who just fell to 29-30 and are now 6 games behind the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies. After a disappointing home stand (4-5), the Braves travel to Baltimore. Friday night's game is scheduled for 7:05 ET, as highly touted rookie, Tommy Hanson (9.00 ERA) will square off against the Orioles' Jason Berken (7.04 ERA). The Braves must put together some wins, or their season could be over before the 4th of July.

Moylan's meltdown

The Atlanta Braves, sparked offensively by former Pirate Nate McLouth (3-5 with a HR), took a 6-3 lead into the 7th inning against Pittsburgh. Then came Peter Moylan and his 5.40 ERA. The Braves reliever gave up 4 hits and allowed 3 earned runs in a very poor performance out of the bullpen. Atlanta had a firm grasp on this game, until Moylan was allowed to put his Australian fingerprints on the baseball. The Braves led 5-1 after 5 innings. Kenshin Kawakami gave up 2 runs in the 6th, but Moylan's 7th inning meltdown cost him a chance to win his 4th game of the season. This one is headed for extra innings, as Chipper Jones just missed a walk off homerun. Rafael Soriano is on the mound for Atlanta.

Blue Jays and Braves Game 2

After a thrilling one to nothing victory on Friday, the Atlanta Braves hope to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. Derek Lowe is on the mound for Atlanta. Chipper Jones (toe) and Yunel Escobar (hip flexor) are not in the Braves lineup. So far, the game is scoreless in the second inning. A one out single by Lind brings Scott Rolen to the plate. But, a double play ball retires the side.

Prado, Francouer, and recent call up Diory Hernandez will bat for Atlanta in the second. I'll be following the action. Look for some updates in the comments section. (As I type this, Prado grounds out. Francouer singles to center. 1 on with 1 out for Hernandez, who hit .355 for the Gwinett Braves. A 5-4-3 double play off the bat of Hernandez ends the inning).

Magic Vs Cavs

Last night, LeBron James saved his Cavaliers from an 0-2 deficit in the eastern conference finals. With 1 little second left and the Cavs down 2, James hit a legendary 3 point shot to give his team the victory. So, the series is tied at one win apiece. Orlando needs to shake off this loss. There's no reason to let this setback deflate their spirit. By winning game 1, the Magic put all of the pressure on Cleveland.

On Sunday, this best of 7 series shifts to central Florida, where the Magic can recapture control of this battle. But, in order for that to happen, Dwight Howard needs to get his hands on the ball. The 6-10 center from Atlanta is unstoppable in the post. Cleveland may have LeBron James, but they don't have an answer for Howard. Give him the ball! In game 2, Dwight scored a scrawny 10 points, but accounted for 18 rebounds. He touched the rock once in the 4th quarter. That is unacceptable. The Magic must put their fate in the hands of their best player. Ilgauskas can't defend him. Neither can Varejao or Ben Wallace. Orlando can win this series, if their offense flows through Dwight Howard.

Braves Vs Blue Jays

Kenshin Kawakami faces Roy Halladay. Toronto was sent down in order in the 1st. Garrett Anderson just struck out, as Atlanta has a man on 1B, with Brian McCann at the plate. 0-2 to McCann. Just missed a double down the left field line. The Braves aren't just struggling on the field (20-20), their attendance has been dismal this season. Can't help but notice a LOT of blue seats in the outfield. 1-2 on McCann, as he fouls off a pitch from Halladay. Single by McCann puts runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. Rios almost made a great diving catch. Kelly Johnson strikes out to end the inning. If this game gets interesting, I'll post some updates in the comments section.

Chipper Jones is day to day with a toe injury. I'll also be keeping an eye on game 2 of Orlando vs Cleveland in the NBA playoffs. Speaking of that, I've gotta change channels while Toronto bats. Vernon Wells just grounded out. Hope Kawakami keeps up the good work. Go Braves!

Lillian Grace

Sometimes, sports need to take a backseat to reality. It's easy to get consumed by wins and losses, but what really matters in life? My brother James and his wife just welcomed their second daughter into this world. A father couldn't ask for a more perfect blessing, than the 5 pound angel James proudly holds in his arms. Welcome to Sandersville, Lillian Grace. Your dad is a great man, but his choice in college football is suspect. Whenever he says, "Go Jackets," counter with a Goooo Dawgs, sic 'em!! Life is much better as a Bulldogs fan. Trust me on this one. Uncle Bud raised me right.

Magic Vs Cavs

Can Orlando stop LeBron James? Only if they injure him. But that doesn't mean the Magic can't compete with Cleveland. LeBron James is the best player in the league, but Dwight Howard can be one of the most dominant forces in basketball, on any given night. What Orlando must do, is shut down LeBron's sidekicks. Point guard Mo Williams (17.8 PPG) and shooting guard Delonte West (11.7 PPG) are two of the most underrated players in the NBA. Either of these guys can and will score at ease, when defenses collapse around James. That puts a tremendous burden on Orlando's backcourt. If the Magic hope to defeat the Cavs, it must be done with defense, especially from their guards.
In the frontcourt, Dwight Howard is going to be a factor. A 6'10 X factor. Although big Z is 7 feet 3inches tall, he lacks enough athleticism to contain the 23 year old All Star from Atlanta. Ilgauskas will constantly be in foul trouble throughout this best of 7 series. So will Varejao and any other Cav attempting to defend Dwight Howard.
As far as forwards go, that brings us back to LeBron. His uncomparable talent gives Cleveland a huge advantage in this series. James is very Jordan-esque, because of his willingness and ability to make his teammates better. The 6'8 forward averaged 7.2 assists per game during the regular season.
How can Orlando stop the Cavs? They must contain Delonte West, Mo Williams, and Wally Szczerbiak. Every shot these players take must be contested. LeBron is gonna do what LeBron is gonna do. You can't stop that. What you can do, is counter punch with Dwight Howard.

Individual Matchups:

Centers:
Orlando- Dwight Howard 6-11 265 lbs, 20.6 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 2.9 BPG *(Has recorded 33 blocks in 12 playoff games and is averaging 16.6 rebounds per game during 09 post season).
Cleveland- Zydrunas Ilgauskas 7-3 260 lbs, 12.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG

Power Forwards:
Orlando- Rashard Lewis (SF-PF) 6-10 230 lbs, 17.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 0.6 BPG
Cleveland- Anderson Varejao 6-11 260 lbs, 8.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.8 BPG

Small Forwards:
Orlando- Hedo Turkoglu 6-10 220 lbs, 16.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG
Cleveland-LeBron James 6-8 250 lbs, 28.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.2 APG

Shooting Guards:
Orlando- Mickael Pietrus 6-6 215 lbs, 9.4 PPG, 1.2 APG
Cleveland- Delonte West 6-3 180 lbs, 11.7 PPG, 3.5 APG

Point Guards:
Orlando- Rafer "Skip to my Lou" Alston 6-2 175 lbs, 11.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 1.4 SPG
Cleveland- Mo Williams 6-1 190 lbs, 17.8 PPG, 4.1 APG, 0.9 SPG

Game 1 will be shown on TNT at 8:30 ET on Wednesday.