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| "The Braves' B.J. Upton (right) is in high spirits in the dugout with Reed Johnson. Upton had a game-winning RBI in the 10th inning against the Nationals on June 1, 2013, and followed that up with a solo home run on June 2." |
After a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday Night, the Atlanta Braves will look to win another game and extend their lead in the NL East to (6.5) games this afternoon. For the Braves, manager Fredi Gonzalez sends starter Paul Maholm to the mound. Malholm (6-4, 3.74 ERA) is 2-1 in his last four starts but has a 4.94 ERA during that span. After giving up one run in 7 1/3 innings of an 8-3 win over Minnesota on May 22, Maholm yielded five, including four in the first frame, and 10 hits through six of a 7-6, 10-inning win at Toronto on Tuesday. His career against the Nationals was less than impressive as he's 2-7 with a 4.64 ERA in 12 starts versus Washington, but has allowed only a two-run homer to Ian Desmond and six other hits over 15 2/3 innings while going 1-1 against the Nationals this season. As for the Nationals, they sent right-hander Nathan Karns (0-0, 6.23), who allowed three runs and five hits -- including two homers -- in 4 1/3 innings of a 9-3 win over Baltimore in his major league debut Tuesday. Today, the Braves are also looking to see more out of B.J. Upton whose impressive outing last night led Atlanta to a huge victory. Upton was hitting .145 heading into Saturday's contest, the slumping Upton was held out of two straight starts by manager Fredi Gonzalez, who even toyed with the idea of asking him to work out his problems during a minor-league assignment; however, he would have a rebound night as was (2-4) tonight including two singles, and one of them which led to Atlanta's victory last night. He's still batting a rough average of (.153) but to be able to come through for the Braves as he did last night is a huge step ahead and could launch him out of a slump and provide the Braves with yet another offensive weapon. A couple of interesting notes about today's game is Atlanta catcher Brian McCann is just three hits shy of 1,000 for his career and the Braves would look to improve to 7-3 over Washington as they prepare to win yet another series against their biggest division rival.
FIRST INNING:
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| "Braves Ramiro Pena (right) gets a high five from Justin Upton crossing the plate on his 2-run homer for a 2-0 lead over the Nationals in the first inning." (Curtis Compton)" |
In the Nationals first at-bats of today's game, Atlanta wouldn't counter much of a threat as Denard Span grounds out, second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman; after Steve Lombardozzi singled on a sharp line drive to center fielder B. J. Upton, Atlanta's defense capitalized as Ryan Zimmerman grounds into a double play, third baseman Ramiro Pena to second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Steve Lombardozzi out at 2nd to end Washington's offensive threat . As for the Braves, Atlanta would capitalize early as Andrelton Simmons reached on a throwing error by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and this error would prove to be costly for Washington as Ramiro Pena homered on a fly ball to right field. Andrelton Simmons scores to give Atlanta a huge 2-0 lead with no outs. Justin Upton would follow up with a single on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi; however, the Braves couldn't capitalize as Freddie Freeman was called out on strikes for the first out; during Evan Gattis at-bat, , Justin Upton steals 2nd base; however, Atlanta couldn't capitalize as Evan Gattis was called out on strikes and Brian McCann grounds out, second baseman Danny Espinosa to first baseman Adam LaRoche to end the inning but Atlanta now led by a score of 2-0.
SECOND INNING:
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| "Braves outfielder B.J. Upton watches his solo home run clear the wall to take a 3-2 lead over the Nationals during the second inning." (Curtis Compton) |
In the Nationals second offensive at-bats, they would make a rally as Adam LaRoche earned a lead-off double on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Justin Upton; followed by an Ian Desmond single on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Adam LaRoche to 3rd placing runners on the corners with no outs. Washington cut the lead down to 2-1 as Tyler Moore singled on a ground ball to left fielder Evan Gattis. Adam LaRoche scores. Ian Desmond to 2nd. After Danny Espinosa struck out swinging and Jhonatan Solano grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Ian Desmond to 3rd. Tyler Moore to 2nd, the Nationals would tie the game as Nathan Karns reached on a missed catch error by pitcher Paul Maholm, assist to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Ian Desmond scores. Tyler Moore to 3rd. Atlanta ended the Nationals threat as Denard Span was called out on strikes and the game was now tied at 2-2. For the Braves, they would capitalize again after Dan Uggla popped out to first baseman Adam LaRoche for the first out, B. J. Upton hit a solo home run on a fly ball to left field to give the Braves a 3-2 lead. Paul Maholm lines out to second baseman Danny Espinosa and after Andrelton Simmons singled on a line drive to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi, the inning would end as Ramiro Pena strikes out swinging and Atlanta would now lead 3-2 heading into the third inning.
THIRD INNING:
In the Nationals next offensive stint, Atlanta would earn a 1-2-3 inning as Steve Lombardozzi grounds out, second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Ryan Zimmerman flies out to right fielder Justin Upton and the inning would end as Adam LaRoche flied out to center fielder B. J. Upton. As for the Braves next at-bats, after Justin Upton singled on a line drive to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi and Freddie Freeman singled on a line drive to center fielder Denard Span. Justin Upton to 2nd, Atlanta could not capitalize on the early runners in scoring position as Evan Gattis struck out swinging; followed by Brian McCann grounding into a force out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to shortstop Ian Desmond. Justin Upton to 3rd. Freddie Freeman out at 2nd. Brian McCann to 1st and their inning would end as Dan Uggla flied out to center fielder Denard Span and Atlanta maintained their 3-2 lead heading into the fourth inning.
FOURTH INNING:
As Washington came up on offense, Paul Malholm and the Braves would counter a quick inning as Ian Desmond was called out on strikes; followed by Tyler Moore grounding out sharply, third baseman Ramiro Pena to first baseman Freddie Freeman for the second out. Despite allowing a runner on base after Danny Espinosa was hit by pitch, the inning came to an end as Jhonatan Solano grounds into a force out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to second baseman Dan Uggla. Danny Espinosa out at 2nd and the Nationals failed to generate any offense. Atlanta's offense wouldn't get anything going this inning as well as they were retired in a 1-2-3 inning as B. J. Upton struck out swinging; followed by Paul Maholm struck out swinging and Andrelton Simmons flied out to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi and Atlanta still held their 3-2 lead heading to the fifth inning.
FIFTH INNING:
In Washington's following at-bats, they would again be retired in a 1-2-3 fashion as Nathan Karns was called out on strikes; followed by Denard Span grounding out to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the inning would end as Steve Lombardozzi flied out to center fielder B. J. Upton. In the Braves next stretch, they would again capitalize after Ramiro Pena grounded out softly, first baseman Adam LaRoche to pitcher Nathan Karns for the first out, Justin Upton continued his great game as he singled on a ground ball to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi to place a runner on with one out. After Freddie Freeman flied out to center fielder Denard Span, the Braves would earn some second out offense. After Evan Gattis walked, advancing Justin Upton to 2nd base, Washington would pull starter Nathan Karns as Zach Duke replaced him. Atlanta would capitalize as Brian McCann singled on a line drive to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi. Justin Upton scores. Evan Gattis to 3rd to give the Braves a 4-2 lead. Dan Uggla walks. Brian McCann to 2nd and the bases were loaded; however, the inning would end as B. J. Upton grounds into a force out, shortstop Ian Desmond to second baseman Danny Espinosa. Dan Uggla out at 2nd and now the Braves led by a score of 4-2.
SIXTH INNING:
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| "The Braves' Freddie Freeman tips his helmet to cheering fans after hitting a 2-RBI double with Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa looking on. The play was under review at the time, with Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez arguing it was a home run. The double gave the Braves a 6-3 lead over the Nationals." (Curtis Compton) |
Washington would trim the deficit after Ryan Zimmerman grounded out, second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman and Adam LaRoche grounds out sharply to first baseman Freddie Freeman for the second out, Ian Desmond homered on a fly ball to left field to cut the Braves lead down to 4-3; however, the inning would end as Tyler Moore pops out to second baseman Dan Uggla. The Braves would counter with more runs as Pinch-hitter Reed Johnson who replaced Paul Maholm whose afternoon ended with (6.0) Innings Pitched, (5) Hits Allowed, (3) Runs, (2) Earned Runs, No Walks, Four Strikeouts and One Home Run Allowed. Reed Johnson walked; followed by Andrelton Simmons walks to advance Reed Johnson to second base. After Ramiro Pena earned a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Reed Johnson to 3rd. Andrelton Simmons to 2nd. Zach Duke decided to intentionally walk Justin Upton and he would pay for this as Freddie Freeman doubles (9) on a fly ball to left fielder Steve Lombardozzi. Reed Johnson scores. Andrelton Simmons scores. Justin Upton to 3rd; however, the play was reviewed as a potential grand slam but the original call stood giving the Braves a 6-3 lead. After Washington made another pitching change replacing Zach Duke with Erik Davis and he would end Atlanta's threat as Evan Gattis reaches on a fielder's choice out, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to catcher Jhonatan Solano. Justin Upton out at home. Freddie Freeman to 3rd; followed by Brian McCann grounding out to first baseman Adam LaRoche to end the inning; however, the Braves owned a commanding 6-3 lead.
SEVENTH INNING:
In Washington's next at-bats of the afternoon, Atlanta would make a pitching change as Anthony Varvaro replaced Paul Maholm and also, Reed Johnson replaced Evan Gattis as a left fielder. Atlanta would earn another 1-2-3 inning as Danny Espinosa flied out to left fielder Reed Johnson; followed by Jhonatan Solano grounding out, third baseman Ramiro Pena to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the inning would end as Roger Bernadina lined out sharply to first baseman Freddie Freeman. In the Braves next offensive inning, Dan Uggla struck out swinging; followed by B. J. Upton grounding out, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to first baseman Adam LaRoche and earned a 1-2-3 inning as Reed Johnson was called out on strikes and Atlanta maintained their 6-3 lead.
EIGHTH INNING:
In the Nationals next at-bat, another pitching change was made by Atlanta as Luis Avilan replaces Anthony Varvaro. Denard Span grounded out, second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Steve Lombardozzi grounding out softly, third baseman Ramiro Pena to first baseman Freddie Freeman and Avilan earned yet another 1-2-3 inning as Ryan Zimmerman popped out to first baseman Freddie Freeman in foul territory to end the Nationals portion of the inning. In the Braves final at-bat of the game, the Nationals made yet another pitching change as Fernando Abad replaced Erik Davis. Andrelton Simmons popped out to second baseman Danny Espinosa; followed by Ramiro Pena grounding out, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to first baseman Adam LaRoche and the Nationals earned a 1-2-3 inning as Justin Upton strikes out swinging.
NINTH INNING:
In Washington's final at-bats of the afternoon, Atlanta sent closer Craig Kimbrel to the mound to close the game and earn a series win over the Washington Nationals. Atlanta would retire the Nationals in a 1-2-3 fashion as Adam LaRoche grounds out to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Ian Desmond grounding out, second baseman Dan Uggla to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the game would end as Chad Tracy popped out to third baseman Ramiro Pena to earn another win for the Braves over their division rivals and extend their lead in the NL East to (6.5) games.
WINNING PITCHER:
Paul Malholm (7-4):
(6.0) Innings Pitched, (5) Hits Allowed, (3) Runs, (2) Earned Runs, No Walks, Four Strikeouts and One Home Run Allowed
LOSING PITCHER:
Nathan Karns (0-1):
(4.2) Innings Pitched, (7) Hits Allowed, (4) Runs, (3) Earned Runs, One Walk, (6) Strikeouts and Two Home Runs Allowed
SAVE:
Craig Kimbrel (17)
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Ramiro Pena/Freddie Freeman:
Ramiro Pena, who is one of Atlanta's most servicable offensive options off the bench got the Braves offense got today's offense going as he knocked a two run home run to put the Braves up 2-0. Pena finished today's game (1-4) with a home run and two runs batted in. He's been a great option for Atlanta and today proved again why he could be a key player for the Atlanta Braves throughout the 2013 MLB season when given the chance. Freddie Freeman was another key player in today's 6-3 victory over the Nationals as Freeman finished (2-4) with a single, a double, and two RBI's in the sixth inning to give Atlanta a commanding 6-3 lead. Freddie Freeman is one of the most valuable players for the Braves and today, he displayed that once again when the Braves needed it the most. Freddie Freeman ranks (8th) in the NL in RBI's with (36), and (27) of them came with runners in scoring position. Ramiro Pena and Freddie Freeman are two key reasons why the Atlanta Braves earned a victory today and hopefully they continue their great contributions throughout the rest of the year.
CONCLUSION:
The Atlanta Braves 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals this afternoon extends the NL East lead to (6.5) games and they are 7-3 against their divisional foes this season. Atlanta continues to be one of the most impressive teams around the majors in the first half of the 2013 season and tonight's win displayed how special this unit could be throughout the season. Each night, the Braves are showing the nation that they can win ball games in many different aspects and tomorrow, they will look to extend their winning streak to a three games in a row. Atlanta will begin a three game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in Atlanta tomorrow night. Until tomorrow, GO BRAVES!!!
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