Braves Extend Win Streak to Five Games, Defeat Pirates 4-2

(Source Yardbarker.com)

Melky Cabrera hit his first home run of the season and Eric Hinske added his third as the Braves extended their winning streak to five games and closed to within three and a half games of the first place Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves did just enough offensively despite going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position on the night. Chipper Jones added two hits and an RBI in the win.

Derek Lowe was erratic and struggled to get through his five innings of work. If not for an outstanding defensive play by Eric Hinske at first, he might not have made it through five. Hinske leaped to snag a Garrett Jones and then dove back to the bag to double off Andrew McCutchen.

Braves pitchers worked out of trouble all night holding Pirates hitters to 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Takashi Saito worked out of a particularly sticky situation in the 8th inning as he struck out Bobby Crosby and McCutchen with men on. Billy Wagner worked a scoreless ninth inning to garner his fifth save of the season.

The Braves will be going for the sweep today with Kris Medlen(1-1, 2.51) making his third start of the season and facing off against Pirates left hander Zach Duke (3-4, 5.08). First pitch is scheduled for 1:35pm today. The Braves will enjoy an off day on Monday before starting a three game set against the Florida Marlins in Florida.

For more coverage from the Pirates series be sure and check out the FanSided network’s Pittsburgh Pirate blog Rum Bunter.