The Secret Weapon Strikes Again

After one of the most improbable wins of recent memory, the Braves start off the Rockies series with a comfortable 6-1 victory.  The Braves are three games ahead of the Cardinals, four games ahead of the Dodgers (pending tonight’s result), and 5.5 games ahead of the Pirates.

• Kris Medlen continued his dominance of the National League, throwing another complete game, only allowing one unearned run.  His no-walk, 12 K game was the 11th such game around the league this year, with Felix Hernandez throwing two of them.
• The Braves offense took advantage of Tyler Chatwood‘s typical poor command.  He walked five guys in three innings, and all five of those baserunners scored.
• After the third inning, the Braves offense shut down, only reaching base twice the last five innings.  While Medlen had things under control today, this is what burned the Phillies Sunday with Hamels on the mound, so this is a bit of a concern.
• Dan Uggla did not start again today.  After a terrible July, he managed a near league-average .324 OBP and .424 SLG in August, also posting the best WPA on the team.  While he’s not where he’s supposed to be, I also don’t think Jose Constanza is a better option at this time.
• The Rockies will send out Drew Pomeranz Tuesday.  The lefty has shown a very effective fastball, but his offspeed has been crushed.  Aside from Jason Heyward, this team hits fastballs, so Tommy Hanson‘s performance will probably determine the outcome.