Hanson, Infante Lead Braves Past Marlins in Extras

The Braves got another great start from Tommy Hanson, and despite no offense, they managed to take the win in 11 innings 2-1.

Hanson pitched seven shutout innings on three hits. He entered the eighth at 86 pitches, and despite no signs of slowing down entering the inning, I was hoping he would be on a short leash. But there’s no point in ever hoping for that. Hanson’s final line was one run on five hits in 7.2 innings, no walks and three strikeouts. It was one of Hanson’s best outings, as he was constantly ahead of hitters, and at one point his GB/FB ratio was 11/1. He finished at 12/8.

The only offense for the Braves in the first nine innings came on a fourth inning home run by Brian McCann. They held the one-run lead until the eighth, when Hanson allowed a RBI double to Brad Davis that tied it. The score remained tied until the 11th, when two walks set up a RBI single by Omar Infante to win the game.

The Braves had their chances to score more but couldn’t put anything across. Infante had two hits along with the RBI. Jason Heyward was absent, picking up a hit in five chances and striking out twice, and grounding weakly to the pitcher with the bases loaded in the ninth. Derrek Lee went 0-5 with three strikeouts and left plenty on base himself. The home run saved them yet again.

Behind Hanson the bullpen was solid. Jonny Venters got the final out in the eighth, though he shouldn’t have pitched. Billy Wagner struck out two in a perfect ninth, though he should have pitched the eighth. Peter Moylan went 1.2 innings and didn’t allow anything. Mike Dunn finished the top of the 11th with a strikeout of Logan Morrison to earn the win.

Martin Prado made a huge catch in the fourth that led to a hip pointer. He is listed as day-to-day, but I wouldn’t expect him back in the next few days. You never know with Prado, though. Despite his lack of hitting lately, this will be a pretty big hole.

The Braves are waiting on the Padres to finish to determine whether they regain the wild card lead or remain a half game back. Tim Hudson starts on short rest Tuesday against Anibal Sanchez.