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| "Atlanta Braves' Kris Medlen, left, and Dan Uggla share a pre-game ritual as the Braves prepared to play the Pittsburgh Pirates in a baseball game Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)" |
After the Braves won 7-2 on Monday Night, Atlanta will look to extend their winning streak to four games tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Locke will make his first career start in Atlanta against the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2006 MLB Draft before trading him to Pittsburgh in 2009 for Nate McLouth. Locke will oppose Mike Minor, who has been by far the Braves most consistent starting pitcher this season. He is 7-2 with a 2.48 ERA and has struck out 66 and walked only 14 in 11 starts. Minor will be just the second lefty the Pirates have seen in their last 22 games. Jeff Locke has been equally as impressive and has not allowed a run in his last 19 1/3 innings. He's 5-1 with a 2.25 ERA this season. In his previous start against the Tigers, Locke only went 5 1/3 innings pitched, but was brilliant nonetheless allowing no runs on seven hits, walked a batter, and struck out three in the no decision. Like Detroit, the Braves can hit. They roughed up AJ Burnett on Monday for six runs in five innings, the first time Burnett did not last six innings in a start since April 22nd. It was also the first time Burnett had surrendered more than three runs in a start this season. Braves, who lead the Majors in home runs, went deep three times off Burnett, all of which were two-run shots. One of our Braves players received a very prestigious honor this week. On Monday, Braves C/OF Evan Gattis was named NL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month. Gattis is batting .269 with 12 home runs and 32 runs batted in entering play tonight. He went deep six times and drove in 16 runs last month. On Monday, Braves C/OF Evan Gattis was named NL Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month. Gattis is batting .269 with 12 home runs and 32 runs batted in entering play tonight. He went deep six times and drove in 16 runs last month. Also, Braves C Brian McCann recorded his 1,000th hit Monday night with a broken-bat single to left off Pirates reliever Mike Zagurski in the 7th inning. McCann went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer. Tonight, the Braves were looking to extend their NL East lead and also extend their winning streak to four games in a row.
FIRST INNING:
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| "Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman dives over the wall to catch a foul ball by Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jaime Henry-White)" |
In Pittsburgh's first at-bats of the game, Starling Marte struck out swinging for the first out; followed by Jordy Mercer grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and Atlanta earned a 1-2-3 inning as Andrew McCutchen popped out to first baseman Freddie Freeman in foul territory to end the Pirates offensive inning. In Atlanta's first at-bats of the evening, Andrelton Simmons singled on a fly ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen; Jason Heyward popped out to shortstop Clint Barmes for the first out. With Justin Upton batting, Andrelton Simmons steals 2nd base. Justin Upton struck out swinging for the second out and Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging stranding a runner in scoring position and the game was scoreless.
SECOND INNING:
In Pittsburgh's second at-bat, they would capitalize as Gaby Sanchez homered on a fly ball to left center field to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead. The Pirates wouldn't cause any more damage as Russell Martin struck out on a foul tip; followed by Michael McKenry grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the inning would end as Pedro Alvarez strikes out swinging and the Pirates now owned a 1-0 lead. In Atlanta's next at-bat, Brian McCann flied out to left fielder Starling Marte; followed by Chris Johnson grounds out, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. After Dan Uggla singled on a ground ball to third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Dan Uggla advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by third baseman Pedro Alvarez, the inning would end as B. J. Upton grounds out softly, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Pittsburgh maintained a 1-0 lead.
THIRD INNING:
In the Pirates next offensive stint, Clint Barmes reached on a fielding error by second baseman Dan Uggla. Atlanta's defense responded as Jeff Locke grounds a bunt into a force out, third baseman Chris Johnson to shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Clint Barmes out at 2nd. Jeff Locke to 1st for the first out; followed by Starling Marte flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward. Pittsburgh would create some two out offense as Jordy Mercer doubled on a line drive to left fielder Justin Upton. Jeff Locke to 3rd and would capitalize as Andrew McCutchen doubles (15) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Justin Upton. Jeff Locke scores. Jordy Mercer scores to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Their portion of the inning would conclude as Gaby Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the Pirates now held a 3-0 lead. In Atlanta's offensive stint, they would trim the lead after Mike Minor struck out swinging. Andrelton Simmons walked, placing a runner on with one out. Jason Heyward followed with a single on a fly ball to right fielder Russell Martin. Andrelton Simmons to 2nd. After Justin Upton pops out to second baseman Jordy Mercer on the infield fly rule, the Braves would capitalize as Freddie Freeman doubled on a ground ball to left fielder Starling Marte. Andrelton Simmons scores. Jason Heyward scores and the Braves trimmed the deficit to 3-2. After Brian McCann walked, the inning would end as Chris Johnson struck out swinging and now the Pirates led 3-2 heading into the next frame.
FOURTH INNING:
In the Pirates offensive stretch, they would add on another run. After Russell Martin was called out on strikes and Michael McKenry flied out to left fielder Justin Upton for the second out, Pittsburgh would earn more two outs offensive production as Pedro Alvarez homered on a fly ball to left field extending the Pirates lead to 4-2 and their inning came to an end after Clint Barmes struck out swinging. In Atlanta's offensive inning, they would be retired in a 1-2-3 fashion as Dan Uggla struck out on a foul tip; followed by B. J. Upton being called out on strikes and the inning would end with Mike Minor being called out on strikes and the Pirates took their 4-2 lead into the next inning.
FIFTH INNING:
In Pittsburgh's following at-bats, the Braves earned a 1-2-3 inning as Jeff Locke grounded out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Starling Marte grounding out to pitcher Mike Minor to first baseman Freddie Freeman and finally, Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging and the Pirates maintained their 4-2 lead. Atlanta's at-bats would generate little offense as Andrelton Simmons grounded out, third baseman Pedro Alvarez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. After Jason Heyward doubled on a line drive to right fielder Russell Martin, the Braves couldn't bring the runner in as Justin Upton flied out to left fielder Starling Marte and Freddie Freeman grounds out, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez to end the inning and the Pirates would maintain their 4-2 lead.
SIXTH INNING:
The Pirates would be retired in 1-2-3 fashion for the second consecutive inning as Andrew McCutchen flied out to center fielder B. J. Upton; followed by Gaby Sanchez flying out to right fielder Jason Heyward and finally Russell Martin grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the Pirates maintained their lead until Atlanta's offensive stint. The Braves would capitalize after Brian McCann grounded out softly, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Chris Johnson flied out to right fielder Russell Martin for the second out. The Braves would earn two out production as Dan Uggla singled on a sharp line drive to left fielder Starling Marte to keep the inning alive and the Pirates made a pitching change as Ryan Reid replaced Jeff Locke,which proved to be a costly decision as B. J. Upton homered on a fly ball to center field. Dan Uggla scores and the game was now tied at 4-4. Atlanta's inning came to an end as pinch hitter Jordan Schafer, whom replaced starter Mike Minor was called out on strikes and the Braves and Pirates were now tied 4-4.
SEVENTH INNING:
In the Pirates next offensive stint, Atlanta made a pitching change as Luis Avilan replaced Mike Minor. Avilan would retire the Pirates in a 1-2-3 fashion as Travis Snider grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Pedro Alvarez striking out swinging and finally Clint Barmes flied out to right fielder Jason Heyward to end their portion of the inning. The Braves would generate a few hits; however, couldn't score as Andrelton Simmons singles on a fly ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Jason Heyward out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Ryan Reid to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Andrelton Simmons to 2nd; followed by Justin Upton grounding out to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Andrelton Simmons to 3rd. After Tony Watson replaces Ryan Reid as the pitcher, he finished the inning as Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging and the score remained tied at 4-4.
EIGHTH INNING:
As the Pirates came up to bat, Atlanta made another pitching change as Jordan Walden replaced Luis Avilan as the pitcher and had an 1-2-3 inning as Neil Walker grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Starling Marte flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward and finally Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging. As for the Braves, they would miss out on another opportunity to bring in runners after Brian McCann flied out to left fielder Starling Marte, Chris Johnson walked and would be replaced by Ramiro Pena. Dan Uggla walks. Ramiro Pena to 2nd. B. J. Upton would fly out to left fielder Starling Marte for the second out. Pinch-hitter Evan Gattis replaced Jordan Walden and while Evan Gattis was batting, a wild pitch was thrown by Tony Watson, Ramiro Pena to 3rd. Dan Uggla to 2nd and they would intentionally walk Gattis to load the bases with two outs. Unfortunately, the Braves wouldn't capitalize as Andrelton Simmons grounds out, shortstop Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and the score remained tied at 4-4.
NINTH INNING:
In Pittsburgh's next offensive stint, Craig Kimbrel replaced Jordan Walden as the Braves pitcher and would receive a small threat that he would work through as Andrew McCutchen earned a lead off single on a ground ball to center fielder B. J. Upton. After Gaby Sanchez pops out to second baseman Dan Uggla, Russell Martin walked and advanced Andrew McCutchen to 2nd; however the Pirates wouldn't capitalize as Travis Snider strikes out swinging and the inning would end as Pedro Alvarez lined out to center fielder B. J. Upton. In Atlanta's offensive stint, Pittsburgh made another pitching change as Jason Grilli replaced Tony Watson and the Braves couldn't capitalize as Jason Heyward strikes out swinging to open their inning. After Justin Upton singled on a line drive to left fielder Starling Marte, Freddie Freeman flied out to center fielder Andrew McCutchen who robbed him of a potential game winning hit and the inning would end as Ramiro Pena strikes out swinging and the game was heading for extra innings tied at 4-4.
TENTH INNING:
After Anthony Varvaro replaces Craig Kimbrel as the Braves pitcher, he would retire the Pirates in a 1-2-3 fashion as pinch-hitter Garrett Jones who replaced Jason Grilli lies out to left fielder Justin Upton; followed by Neil Walker grounds out, first baseman Freddie Freeman to pitcher Anthony Varvaro and finally Starling Marte grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman. In Atlanta's final at-bats, Mark Melancon replaced Jason Grilli as the Pirates pitcher. After Dan Uggla walked, B. J. Upton strikes out swinging. Another change was made as Pinch-hitter Reed Johnson replaces Anthony Varvaro and was hit by a pitch and the Braves would finally capitalize as Andrelton Simmons doubled on a fly ball to right fielder Travis Snider. Dan Uggla scores. Reed Johnson to 3rd and the Braves won by a final score of 5-4.
WINNING PITCHER:
Anthony Varvaro (3-0):
(1.0) Innings Pitched, No Hits, Walks, or Runs Allowed
LOSING PITCHER:
Mark Melancon (1-1):
(0.1) Innings Pitched, One Hit and Walk Allowed, One Strikeout, One Earned Run
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Andrelton Simmons/Braves Bullpen:
Andrelton Simmons earned his first career walk-off and it was only fitting that his great game would end that way. Simmons finished (3-5) with the game winning RBI and also accounted for three of the runs Atlanta scored en route to their comeback victory over the Pirates tonight. Simmons, 23, is emerging as one of the young and most impressive short stops in the majors. Simmons is also a great defensive player, only committing a few errors and one of Atlanta's best defensive players. His future is so bright in Atlanta and he will continue to impress the entire world of baseball. Tonight's great performance also extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Simmons is a special athlete and will continue to deliver for the Braves when he's needed the most. Also, the Atlanta bullpen was huge for the team as they pulled off yet another comeback win. After Mike Minor left the game trailing 4-2 in the fourth inning, the Braves bullpen who consisted of Luis Avilan, Jordan Walden, Craig Kimbrel and Anthony Varvaro allowed only one hit, one walk, struck out three batters and didn't surrender one run. Tonight's game was huge for the Braves bullpen, whose struggling to stay healthy; however, that didn't show in tonight's game. Atlanta did enough to keep their offense in the game and ultimately lead them to a win. The Braves bullpen have been very consistent for the most part and tonight's a prime example of why Atlanta's such a special team in all aspects of the game.
CONCLUSION:
Tonight's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates extended the Braves winning streak to four games and would look to earn a sweep over the Pirates tomorrow afternoon at 12:10 P.M. Tonight's game is another indicator that many positive things are on the horizon and Atlanta could see some great baseball played by these young men daily. With tonight's win, the Braves NL East lead remained at seven games over the Nationals, the largest lead of any division in baseball. Pirates fall to 35-24 this season and fall to third place in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Cardinals. 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 five games in a row. Atlanta will look to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates in Atlanta tomorrow aftenoon . Until tomorrow, GO BRAVES!!!
THIRD INNING:
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| "Freddie Freeman hits a 2 RBI double against the Pirates during the third inning. CURTIS COMPTON" |
FOURTH INNING:
In the Pirates offensive stretch, they would add on another run. After Russell Martin was called out on strikes and Michael McKenry flied out to left fielder Justin Upton for the second out, Pittsburgh would earn more two outs offensive production as Pedro Alvarez homered on a fly ball to left field extending the Pirates lead to 4-2 and their inning came to an end after Clint Barmes struck out swinging. In Atlanta's offensive inning, they would be retired in a 1-2-3 fashion as Dan Uggla struck out on a foul tip; followed by B. J. Upton being called out on strikes and the inning would end with Mike Minor being called out on strikes and the Pirates took their 4-2 lead into the next inning.
FIFTH INNING:
In Pittsburgh's following at-bats, the Braves earned a 1-2-3 inning as Jeff Locke grounded out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Starling Marte grounding out to pitcher Mike Minor to first baseman Freddie Freeman and finally, Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging and the Pirates maintained their 4-2 lead. Atlanta's at-bats would generate little offense as Andrelton Simmons grounded out, third baseman Pedro Alvarez to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. After Jason Heyward doubled on a line drive to right fielder Russell Martin, the Braves couldn't bring the runner in as Justin Upton flied out to left fielder Starling Marte and Freddie Freeman grounds out, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez to end the inning and the Pirates would maintain their 4-2 lead.
SIXTH INNING:
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| "B.J. Upton hits a two run home run to tie the game 4 - 4 against the Pirates in the sixth inning on Tuesday, June 4 , 2013, in Atlanta. CURTIS COMPTON" |
The Pirates would be retired in 1-2-3 fashion for the second consecutive inning as Andrew McCutchen flied out to center fielder B. J. Upton; followed by Gaby Sanchez flying out to right fielder Jason Heyward and finally Russell Martin grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman and the Pirates maintained their lead until Atlanta's offensive stint. The Braves would capitalize after Brian McCann grounded out softly, second baseman Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Chris Johnson flied out to right fielder Russell Martin for the second out. The Braves would earn two out production as Dan Uggla singled on a sharp line drive to left fielder Starling Marte to keep the inning alive and the Pirates made a pitching change as Ryan Reid replaced Jeff Locke,which proved to be a costly decision as B. J. Upton homered on a fly ball to center field. Dan Uggla scores and the game was now tied at 4-4. Atlanta's inning came to an end as pinch hitter Jordan Schafer, whom replaced starter Mike Minor was called out on strikes and the Braves and Pirates were now tied 4-4.
SEVENTH INNING:
In the Pirates next offensive stint, Atlanta made a pitching change as Luis Avilan replaced Mike Minor. Avilan would retire the Pirates in a 1-2-3 fashion as Travis Snider grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Pedro Alvarez striking out swinging and finally Clint Barmes flied out to right fielder Jason Heyward to end their portion of the inning. The Braves would generate a few hits; however, couldn't score as Andrelton Simmons singles on a fly ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Jason Heyward out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Ryan Reid to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Andrelton Simmons to 2nd; followed by Justin Upton grounding out to first baseman Gaby Sanchez. Andrelton Simmons to 3rd. After Tony Watson replaces Ryan Reid as the pitcher, he finished the inning as Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging and the score remained tied at 4-4.
EIGHTH INNING:
As the Pirates came up to bat, Atlanta made another pitching change as Jordan Walden replaced Luis Avilan as the pitcher and had an 1-2-3 inning as Neil Walker grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman; followed by Starling Marte flies out to right fielder Jason Heyward and finally Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging. As for the Braves, they would miss out on another opportunity to bring in runners after Brian McCann flied out to left fielder Starling Marte, Chris Johnson walked and would be replaced by Ramiro Pena. Dan Uggla walks. Ramiro Pena to 2nd. B. J. Upton would fly out to left fielder Starling Marte for the second out. Pinch-hitter Evan Gattis replaced Jordan Walden and while Evan Gattis was batting, a wild pitch was thrown by Tony Watson, Ramiro Pena to 3rd. Dan Uggla to 2nd and they would intentionally walk Gattis to load the bases with two outs. Unfortunately, the Braves wouldn't capitalize as Andrelton Simmons grounds out, shortstop Jordy Mercer to first baseman Gaby Sanchez and the score remained tied at 4-4.
NINTH INNING:
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| "Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen makes the catch on a fly ball from Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman in the ninth inning. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)" |
In Pittsburgh's next offensive stint, Craig Kimbrel replaced Jordan Walden as the Braves pitcher and would receive a small threat that he would work through as Andrew McCutchen earned a lead off single on a ground ball to center fielder B. J. Upton. After Gaby Sanchez pops out to second baseman Dan Uggla, Russell Martin walked and advanced Andrew McCutchen to 2nd; however the Pirates wouldn't capitalize as Travis Snider strikes out swinging and the inning would end as Pedro Alvarez lined out to center fielder B. J. Upton. In Atlanta's offensive stint, Pittsburgh made another pitching change as Jason Grilli replaced Tony Watson and the Braves couldn't capitalize as Jason Heyward strikes out swinging to open their inning. After Justin Upton singled on a line drive to left fielder Starling Marte, Freddie Freeman flied out to center fielder Andrew McCutchen who robbed him of a potential game winning hit and the inning would end as Ramiro Pena strikes out swinging and the game was heading for extra innings tied at 4-4.
TENTH INNING:
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| "Jason Heyward hoists Andrelton Simmons on his shoulders after he hits a RBI double to beat the Pirates 5-4 in the 10th inning. CURTIS COMPTON" |
After Anthony Varvaro replaces Craig Kimbrel as the Braves pitcher, he would retire the Pirates in a 1-2-3 fashion as pinch-hitter Garrett Jones who replaced Jason Grilli lies out to left fielder Justin Upton; followed by Neil Walker grounds out, first baseman Freddie Freeman to pitcher Anthony Varvaro and finally Starling Marte grounds out, shortstop Andrelton Simmons to first baseman Freddie Freeman. In Atlanta's final at-bats, Mark Melancon replaced Jason Grilli as the Pirates pitcher. After Dan Uggla walked, B. J. Upton strikes out swinging. Another change was made as Pinch-hitter Reed Johnson replaces Anthony Varvaro and was hit by a pitch and the Braves would finally capitalize as Andrelton Simmons doubled on a fly ball to right fielder Travis Snider. Dan Uggla scores. Reed Johnson to 3rd and the Braves won by a final score of 5-4.
WINNING PITCHER:
Anthony Varvaro (3-0):
(1.0) Innings Pitched, No Hits, Walks, or Runs Allowed
LOSING PITCHER:
Mark Melancon (1-1):
(0.1) Innings Pitched, One Hit and Walk Allowed, One Strikeout, One Earned Run
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Andrelton Simmons/Braves Bullpen:
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| "Andrelton Simmons hits a RBI double to beat the Pirates 5-4 in the 10th inning." CURTIS COMPTON |
Andrelton Simmons earned his first career walk-off and it was only fitting that his great game would end that way. Simmons finished (3-5) with the game winning RBI and also accounted for three of the runs Atlanta scored en route to their comeback victory over the Pirates tonight. Simmons, 23, is emerging as one of the young and most impressive short stops in the majors. Simmons is also a great defensive player, only committing a few errors and one of Atlanta's best defensive players. His future is so bright in Atlanta and he will continue to impress the entire world of baseball. Tonight's great performance also extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Simmons is a special athlete and will continue to deliver for the Braves when he's needed the most. Also, the Atlanta bullpen was huge for the team as they pulled off yet another comeback win. After Mike Minor left the game trailing 4-2 in the fourth inning, the Braves bullpen who consisted of Luis Avilan, Jordan Walden, Craig Kimbrel and Anthony Varvaro allowed only one hit, one walk, struck out three batters and didn't surrender one run. Tonight's game was huge for the Braves bullpen, whose struggling to stay healthy; however, that didn't show in tonight's game. Atlanta did enough to keep their offense in the game and ultimately lead them to a win. The Braves bullpen have been very consistent for the most part and tonight's a prime example of why Atlanta's such a special team in all aspects of the game.
CONCLUSION:
Tonight's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates extended the Braves winning streak to four games and would look to earn a sweep over the Pirates tomorrow afternoon at 12:10 P.M. Tonight's game is another indicator that many positive things are on the horizon and Atlanta could see some great baseball played by these young men daily. With tonight's win, the Braves NL East lead remained at seven games over the Nationals, the largest lead of any division in baseball. Pirates fall to 35-24 this season and fall to third place in the NL Central, four games behind the division-leading Cardinals. 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 five games in a row. Atlanta will look to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates in Atlanta tomorrow aftenoon . Until tomorrow, GO BRAVES!!!
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