What's this! We won a game in which Javier Vazquez started! We won a one-run road game! Unbelievable!
Yes, the Atlanta Braves once again reversed their latest losing streak behind their ace Javier Vazquez. The power pitcher struck out 6 batters through 7 strong innings while only allowing 1 run on 5 hits. Vazquez labored through the second inning, throwing around 30 pitches, but the Cubs helped him out the next few innings by swinging at everything and helping Vazquez escape with around 30 pitches combined in the third, fourth, and fifth.
The offense was provided by Brian McCann who collected two 2-out RBIs, one each in the first and third innings. Despite getting a runner on in each of the first 7 innings, the 2 runs were all the Braves could score, but it was enough to walk away with the win thanks to a bounce-back bullpen effort from Mike Gonzalez, and a strong ninth inning from Rafael Soriano.
Vazquez got some great defense behind him as well. Brian McCann had a great play on a bunt, just getting the runner at first. McLouth had a great basket catch going back on the ball early in the game, and Escboar and Conrad made some great diving stops up the middle.
Jeff Francoeur was back in the lineup, and went 1-for-4 (an infield hit) with a strikeout and 2 runners LOB. Funny how they lost three in a row when they benched Frenchy -- despite his replacment going 4-for-11 -- but they win the game in which he returns -- despite his complete lack of contribution. Really, it has nothing to do with Francoeur, and keeping him out of the lineup right now is the right thing to do.
Chipper Jones was a late scratch from the lineup due to a nagging groin pull he apparently suffered late in last night's game. He will be reevaluated tomorrow, and will probably miss the afternoon game and be back on Thursday in Colorado.