Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 7/8
By Jeff Schafer
Braves’ Road Woes Continue In Philadelphia
Jul 6, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman
Chris Johnson(23) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves defeated the Phillies, 13-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
"The Atlanta Braves wobbled once again on the road, something they know will need to change if they are to claim their first NL East title since 2005.Freshly chosen All-Star Domonic Brown homered, tripled and drove in two runs Sunday, leading the Philadelphia Phillies over the Braves 7-3.It was the 10th loss in the last 15 road games for Atlanta, which is 21-25 overall on the road this season.“I really can’t tell you why. It’s one of those things,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “To be a championship team, you have to win at home and on the road.”"
Atlanta Braves Express Interest in Chicago White Sox Reliever Matt Thornton
"The Atlanta Braves, in need of a veteran bullpen arm, have expressed “limited” interest in Chicago White Sox reliever Matt Thornton, Ken Rosenthal tweets.Ken Rosenthal ✔ @Ken_RosenthalSources: #WhiteSox’s Thornton on long #RedSox list of possible bullpen targets. #Braves also inquired on Thornton; interest “limited.”Thornton has posted a 3.04 ERA in 26 2/3 innings this season, with those innings being spread over 38 appearances. He has made at least 61 appearances every year since 2006."
Win A Hug From Freddie
"This is a real thing. That’s his agency. They DMed me a little heads up this afternoon, and I have to say, this is the best contest I’ve heard of in a while. Make sure you’re following and all your tweets include #VoteFreddie!"
Bulls Hold Off G-Braves, 1-0
"Gwinnett Braves starter David Hale (L, 3-4) was the tough-luck loser, hurling a season-high 7.1 innings, scattering six hits and allowing one earned run. Hale worked his fourth-straight quality start despite the loss.In the top of the eighth, Hale ran into trouble. After recording the first out of the inning, the right-hander hit Tim Beckham with a 1-2 pitch, putting the go-ahead run at first base. Back-to-back walks to Vince Belnome and Ryan Roberts loaded the bases with one out. Manager Randy Ready summoned left-hander reliever Joe Beimel to face left-handed hitting Leslie Anderson, ending Hale’s night. Beimel would induce a weak fly to right-center, but Beckham came around to score on the sacrifice fly, giving the Bulls a 1-0 lead.The G-Braves had a chance to tie it in the eighth, as Jose Constanza drew a one out walk, stole second base and advanced to third on a single by Todd Cunningham. With runners on the corners and one out, Brandon Boggs hit into an inning-ending double play to the shortstop Beckham.…Monday night is “Kids Eat Free Night” at Coolray Field, with all kids (ages 12 and under) receiving a voucher good for a hot dog, bag of chips and small soda. For tickets, call the Coolray Field Box Office at (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com."