Morning Chop: Braves News 5/1
By Jeff Schafer
Tim Hudson homers off Bryce Harper
"Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson had a big day Tuesday, winning his 200th career game. Hudson threw seven innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out six.He also helped his own cause by hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning off Washington Nationals’ lefty Zach Duke. Or more specifically, off the extended glove of right fielder Bryce Harper who was looking to snag the long ball for an out.Hudson is only the second pitcher in MLB history to homer during his 200th career win, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Lemon was the first to do so on Sept. 11, 1956. The win also makes Hudson the third active player to notch 200 career wins, alongside Andy Pettitte and Roy Hallday."
Atlanta Braves: Tim Hudson Wins 200th Game As Braves Dominate Nationals, 8-1
Mar 21, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson (15) delivers a pitch to Washington Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth (28) during the first inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports
"There is a new member of the 200-win club among Major League pitchers, and his name is Tim Hudson.Hudson threw 7 innings of lights-out baseball on Tuesday night in route to his milestone victory, and it wasn’t simply his arm that got the job done. In addition to his 7 one-run innings, Hudson went 2-for-3 with his bat including a very interesting solo home run in the 5th inning that glanced off of golden child Bryce Harper’s glove before leaving the yard. It was a fitting end to a perfect day for Hudson, and really, for the entire Braves team.The story was Hudson’s theatrical performance, but the Atlanta bats were also awake in a big way during the match-up. Andrelton Simmons led off the game with a home run off of Nats starter Gio Gonzalez, and the Braves tagged the 20-game winner with 5 earned runs (including 7 hits and 5 walks) in just 4 innings. Simmons led the way with 3 hits, but Chris Johnson (2-for-5, RBI, 2 Runs), Freddie Freeman (3-for-5, 3 RBI), and Evan Gattis (2-for-4, 2 RBI) all had big days at the plate for Atlanta."
Braves place Ayala on DL with anxiety disorder
"The Atlanta Braves right-hander Luis Ayala has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of an anxiety disorder.Tuesday’s move was retroactive to April 25. Right-hander David Carpenter was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett in time for Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Nationals."
Atlanta Braves 8, Washington Nationals 1: Gio Gonzalez struggles in loss
"The Washington Nationals knew the defense of their National League East title wouldn’t be easy. But one month into the grinding six-month season, and against their toughest division opponent, they continue to make it even more difficult on themselves.They have yet to play a consistent stretch of crisp, all-around baseball, particularly against the Atlanta Braves, the team that revamped its roster to compete with them. The Nationals dropped their fifth straight against the Braves on Tuesday night, 8-1, to cap their first losing month since August 2011. Gio Gonzalez coughed up five runs over four uneven innings.The offense was no-hit by Atlanta starter Tim Hudson for four innings. The bullpen was taxed again. The defeat left the Nationals at 13-14, and dropped them under .500 for the second time, a mark they did not hit last season. The closest the Nationals came to a .500 month during 2012 was May’s 15-13 mark. They have lost nine straight games to the Braves dating from last season.Following the loss, Manager Davey Johnson, who again called for more changes to the lineup for the next game, asked reporters: “Do we have to talk about this one?” The clubhouse was utterly quiet, normal for a loss, and Ian Desmond went discreetly from player to player and chatted briefly, with the apparent intent of gathering them for a meeting once the media left."