Live Game Thread 9/21: Braves Cubs (Game 2)
Live Game Thread – Braves Vs. Cubs – Game 2
The presence of Jason Heyward back in the lineup, and back in the leadoff spot for the Atlanta Braves, must have been inspiring. The Braves seem to wake up and put a few more runs on the board than of late. I love Jason too, but I think it was more a lack of good pitching on the part of the Chicago Cubs that woke Atlanta up. Still, I’m pleased as punch to see Jason back in the lineup, and we should know soon whether or not he’ll get back to his pre-injury form.
Jason won’t play today, or at least won’t start. The plan is to take it slow with Heyward, see how he does, and do everything just right to ensure he’s ready for the post-season. Of course you know what they say about the best laid plans….
The Atlanta Braves magic number is down to 1, and a win today will clinch the NL East for the Braves, or a Washington Nationals’ loss to the Miami Marlins. I keep saying though, the clinch is going to happen. I’ve heard some say they want the Braves to clinch so they can relax. What!? No! The best record and home field advantage is important for the Braves, so even if they clinch today, relaxing is the last thing the Braves need to do.
One thing the Braves need even more than hitting, lately at least, is better outings from all starters, and from the bullpen. There have been entirely too many hiccups lately, and no lead seems safe even when the Braves do have it. Kris Medlen has pitched very well lately, so look for the Braves to have another good outing from him today. Wood has also pitched well, so don’t let his overall record fool you. Might be a great pitcher’s duel.
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Below are today’s lineups, and we encourage everyone to join us for our Live Game Thread! Just scroll down to our comments section, and let’s talk Braves’ Baseball!
Braves Lineup
1. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
2. Justin Upton (R) RF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
5. Evan Gattis (R) LF
6. Gerald Laird (R) C
7. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
8. B.J. Upton (R) CF
9. Kris Medlen (S) P
Cubs Lineup
1. Starlin Castro (R) SS
2. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Dioner Navarro (S) C
5. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
6. Ryan Sweeney (L) CF
7. Brian Bogusevic (L) LF
8. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
9. Travis Wood (R) P