Braves, Hanson Take Series Opener From Brewers 8-2

(Source: Yardbarker.com)

The Braves got a sterling performance from pitcher Tommy Hanson combined with some timely hitting to take the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers by a score of 8-2. Hanson was dominant tonight pitching eight scoreless innings and allowing only four hits. He struck out eight Brewers while only walking one. Sixty six of his one hundred nine pitches were strikes as he captured his third win of the season and lowered his ERA to a blistering 2.30. Only once did the Brewers have more than one base runner on at a time against Hanson.

That performance would have been for naught had the Braves not been able to score some runs. They took advantage of some shaky Milwaukee defense and finally got to starter Doug Davis with the big blow being a Martin Prado grand slam. Prado got the Braves offense started in the fifth inning when he singled home Nate McClouth to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. Troy Glaus led off the sixth inning with his third home run of the season to deep center field.  The Braves third run came home after an error by Rickie Weeks loaded the bases. Prado then followed with his grand slam into the left field bleachers. The Braves scored six times in the sixth inning to take a commanding 7-0 lead over the Brewers.

It was the first time since opening day that the Braves have had a six run inning. It was also the first time since 2008 that the Braves had hit a grand slam. Matt Diaz rounded out the Braves scoring with an RBI single of his own in the ninth inning.

It all wasn’t good news for the Braves in this one. Jesse Chavez got lit up by Casey Mcgehee for a two run home run in his one inning of work. Chipper Jones again aggravated his groin injury legging out an infield hit and had to leave the game in favor of Brooks Conrad. Is it just me or are the only hits Chipper gets these days of the infield variety? Also more bad news as Jair Jurrjens suffered a set back in his rehab from his injured hamstring. Instead of coming off of the DL this Saturday he will instead receive an MRI exam after the team returns to Atlanta. Kris Medlen will again take Jurrjens spot in the rotation.

Game two of the Brewers series is tonight with Tim Hudson (2-1, 2.82) facing off against Dave Bush (1-2, 4.19). Braves need this one with Yovani Gallardo slated to start game three.