Ankiel Delivers Three-Run Triple in Ninth to Seal Braves Comeback Win

The Braves were up to their usual business again today, as Rick Ankiel smacked a bases loaded triple with two outs in the ninth for the dramatic comeback win, 5-3.

As expected, extra base hits and homers was the name of the game at Wrigley. Koyie Hill put the Cubs ahead in the second with an RBI single, but the Braves answered in the third with a solo homer by Omar Infante. After Martin Prado walked and reached second on a wild pitch in the fourth, Alex Gonzalez doubled him in for the lead. However, the Cubs tied it back in the home half on a solo homer by Aramis Ramirez.

A Marlon Byrd triple in the sixth set up a run on a double by Ramirez that put the Cubs ahead by one. It remained the same with no threats from either side until the ninth. Carlos Marmol couldn’t find the strike zone in his save attempt and walked the bases loaded with one out. After Melky Cabrera struck out for the second out, Ankiel delivered the three-run triple to put the Braves ahead by two, where it remained.

Ankiel added a single and went 2-4 with three RBIs. Infante went 2-4 with a double and homer. Gonzalez went 1-3 with a double, RBI, and walk. Prado added two walks and scored twice. Derrek Lee went 0-4 in his Braves debut and hit the ball hard once. He hit fourth as Prado remained third and Infante led off. It’s not a bad way to go right now while Infante continues to get on base like a machine every night. The Braves managed just five hits as Ryan Dempster allowed two runs on four hits in eight innings while striking out seven. They did walk five times in the game but three came in the ninth off a wild Marmol.

Jair Jurrjens gave up a boatload of hits but minimized the damage. He allowed nine hits – four of which were for extra bases – and three runs in seven innings while striking out just two. However, he did great to go seven and remained very efficient despite giving up so many hits. It’s a major change from what Jurrjens would usually do in this situation, which is probably go five innings and throw 110 pitches. He continues to impress me in this regard.

Peter Moylan pitched a perfect eighth and was therefore given the win. Billy Wagner gave up a hit but struck out two in a scoreless ninth, earning him the save.

The Braves can rest easy knowing they can’t lose a game on their lead tonight, which is important considering Roy Halladay is going for the Phillies against the Nationals and a rusty Jason Marquis. The Braves play tomorrow afternoon at 4:10 with Tommy Hanson and Tom Gorzelanny facing off.