Three Run Ninth Propels Braves to Dramatic Series Win
By Editorial Staff
A three run ninth propelled the Braves to a dramatic win and improved their record at Turner Field to a Major League Best 42-16. Melky Cabrera drove in the tying and winning runs with a one out single against Dodgers closer Hong Chih-Kuo. The victory pushes the Braves lead back to two and a half games in front of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Tommy Hanson got the start for the Braves and once again turned in a stellar performance but came away with nothing to show for it. Hanson pitched seven innings of one run baseball while allowing five hits to the Dodgers. Hanson struck out three and walked one on the night. Hanson has been getting absolutely no run support in any of his starts lately. Over his last five games he is 0-2 with a minuscule 1.05 ERA. He allowed a first inning RBI double in this game and then slammed the door on the Dodgers.
The Braves defense proved troublesome for the Braves once again in the eighth inning. Pinch Hitter Reed Johnson hit a bad hop single that was originally ruled as an error to Brooks Conrad to start the inning. After a walk to Scott Podsednik, Ryan Theriot hit a shallow infield chopper that Conrad picked but threw past Troy Glaus and into right field allowing two runs to score. The Dodgers took a commanding 3-1 lead to the ninth.
The Braves resiliency at home struck again in the ninth. Alex Gonzalez and Brian McCann each led off with singles to start the ninth. A wild pitch moved Gonzalez and pinch runner Brandon Hicks into scoring position. After a Troy Glaus foul out, Brooks Conrad drew a walk to load the bases. Pinch Hitter David Ross then coaxed a bases loaded walk out of new Dodger’s pitcher Octavio Dotel to make the score 3-2. Melky Cabrera then followed with the game winning hit scoring Hicks and Conrad.
What else can you really say about this club? It is a new hero every night it seems.
The Braves will be back in action on Tuesday when the Washington Nationals come to town to start a three game series. Rookie Mike Minor will be on the mound for his second start in what will also be his Turner Field debut.