Just when you think you're going good, you sweep the team at the top of the division, you're about to play three against the team at the bottom of the division, and wham! You lose two of three to the worst team in baseball. Such is this season for the Atlanta Braves.

Our ace worst starting pitcher, Derek Lowe, was on the mound, but not for long. He continues to struggle, and I feel bad for the announcers trying to be apologists for what is wrong with him. This time it was Joe Simpson saying he didn't think Lowe had his slider working today. Last time it was that he couldn't get his sinker to sink. Whatever.

The offense came on too little too late. Nate McLouth thumped a 2-out, 2-run homerun in the ninth, then Prado and Jones got on only to see Brian McCann ground out. Martin Prado went 4-for-4, with 2 doubles, as he and Matt Diaz (2-for-4) both stayed hot.

Tough game, made tougher by pinch-hitting Jeff Francoeur in a critical run-scoring situation in the seventh. The result? He swung at the first pitch and hit a weak fly ball, leaving 2 men on base.