Game 116 Recap: Braves 4, Phillies 3
by royhobbs on Aug 15, 2009 8:28 PM EDT
74 comments
Yesterday, when I was on my way out of Turner Field, I walked past this plastered drunk college guy, stumbling by, absolutely annihilated. This is not an uncommon occurrence at the Ted, but it was this guy's shirt that caught my attention; in the most non-descript lettering, on a plain red shirt were the words:
"matt diaz ** rules"
Now there was a censored abbreviation for an expletive there, but despite yesterday's losing effort, the shirt still gave me a chuckle. If you as a Braves fan do not like and/or appreciate Matt Diaz, then you probably don't really like baseball.
In three career at-bats against Brad Lidge prior to today, Matt Diaz was retired once. The other two were Diaz home runs.
In the fourth meeting between the two, in the bottom of the ninth today, Diaz did not homer off Lidge, but he also was not retired. An attempted sacrifice bunt to advance Garret Anderson to second, resulted in an abysmal fielding performance which saw Lidge bobble the bunt, make a bad throw well past Ryan Howard, which bounced the ball off the wall near the first base dugout, putting it into no-man's land. By the time Werth got the ball back into the infield, Anderson had scored, and Matt Diaz was on third base, with the score tied up at 3 apiece, with nobody out. Brad Lidge now has eight blown saves on the season.
After walks by Adam LaRoche and Greg Norton, followed by a Ryan Church strikeout, Omar Infante slapped a grounder just past the reach of a diving Jimmy Rollins, Braves win.
It was an ugly win, but it's a win nonetheless, and I'll take it. Things were looking bleak, and a sense of "here we go again" crossed my mind when Jayson Werth homered, and the Phils took their 3-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth, but I'm reminded again why baseball is so great; in the blink of an eye, things can change that fast.
Both starting pitchers performed solidly, with the struggling Cole Hamels settling down a little bit, despite giving up a two-run blast to Brian McCann, finished with a solid 6.0 inning performance allowing two runs on three hits. Kenshin Kawakami finished his day with 6.1 innings pitched, on seven hits, and three earned runs, one of them being the aforementioned Werth homer in the 7th.
Some things worth mentioning was in the 5th inning, center-fielder Nate McLouth re-aggravated his hamstring, and had to be replaced by Ryan Church. He was listed as day-to-day afterward. Martin Prado also left the game early; the diagnosis I heard on the radio was due to the heat. (Anyone care to confirm?) Granted, this opened the door for Omar Infante to play the hero, but you never want to hear anyone getting hurt.
Tomorrow, the rubber match takes place, this time being nationally televised, as ESPN is picking it up for Sunday Night Baseball, at 8 p.m. EST. Javier Vazquez takes the hill, with J.A. Happ opposes.
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Diaz’s bunt almost makes us forget about his stolen base earlier. He’s one of those guys that every succesful team needs.
I’m still wondering why the Phils weren’t at double play depth on the game winning hit.
by Bobby Cocks on Aug 15, 2009 8:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The same reason Victorino was hovering in between third and home instead of tagging on the sliding catch by GA. They let us have this ball game.
by BigG1392 on Aug 15, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like we gave them that game where we walked the ballpark with the bases loaded.
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
by bravos1984 on Aug 15, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take any win..
If it means taking away wins from the Phillies…and just as long as the Marlins are losing along with them :D
by King_of_Hearts on Aug 15, 2009 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully...
…this mega blowup in the 9th will have the similar effect on the Phillies that the KJ dropped pop-up had last year on the Braves. We stole this game, and it’s time for Javy to give us the series tomorrow!
by BigG1392 on Aug 15, 2009 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I got the game televised on FOX today, so I have back to back televised games on major networks.
The base paths belonged to me, the runner. The rules gave me the right. I always went into a bag full speed, feet first. I had sharp spikes on my shoes. If the baseman stood where he had no business to be and got hurt, that was his fault. -Ty Cobb
by Jurrjens' Surgeons on Aug 15, 2009 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m listening to the radio archive to hear the 9th inning call.
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
by bravos1984 on Aug 15, 2009 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHOOOOO!!
Is all i can say. I left in the middle of the game and was keeping track on my phone and saw when Mac GIDP after chips lead off single and i was kinda upset.
Then i realized that we no longer have holes at the bottom of our line up and maybe we could pull it off. If this was the beginning of the season its no way we win this game but now with out the bottom of our line up being black holes we have a shot anytime in the game.
Good job for us to not give up and to come back and win this one. Now lets go on another winning streak
by drumzalicious on Aug 15, 2009 8:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Welcome back, Omar. Hopefully he gets the start in CF tomorrow. Nate looks like he’s been struggling.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 15, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope
That tomorrow’s lineup (against a southpaw mind you) looks like the following….
Church/Infante
Prado
Chipper
Escobar
Mac
Diaz
LaRoche
Infante/Church
by RaffyGonzo on Aug 15, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
scratch infante and put in KJ and you have yourself a lineup. KJ in the 8 of course.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 15, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Justin they're bashing you on "The Good Phight"
Early in the game recap comments you seem to have gotten to at least one “Phan” rather nicely. Kudos().
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Aug 16, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol. They are clueless over there, and their site manager seems a little classless to me. Since when are people considered “trolls” when commenting on the board of the opposing team in the series preview section? I understand if it were a gamethread or something, but these moderators know that links will be posted to that thread on our site.
Oh well. Lesson learned.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lesson learned… They get the attitude from Victorino.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(insert cheesesteak related Michael Vick joke here)
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Aug 17, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good win, lets hope we can keep it going tomorrow. I was very scared to look at the scores tonight, but this saved my day. Hopefully we get a good preformance tomorrow and can take 2/3
Yunel is the Queen of Hearts
by GoBravesNY on Aug 15, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yesterday, when I was on my way out of Turner Field, I walked past this plastered drunk college guy, stumbling by, absolutely annihilated.
WAS IT BIGJOE???
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Aug 15, 2009 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Confirmed on Prado out due to heat.
“Bobby Cox said Prado just needed to drink more water instead of energy drinks and McLouth needs a couple days off.”
ESPN recap
by ATLforlife on Aug 15, 2009 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Prediction for Series MVP: Greg Norton and his otherworldy 1.000 OBP
In all seriousness though, it’s nice to know we can actually mount a comeback even with the bottom third of the order at bat
by McCann's the Man on Aug 15, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
At the going rate
Any time the game is on the line and Matt Diaz is scheduled to face Brad Lidge, there’s a chance for something good.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Aug 15, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m willing to bet large sums of money we don’t see Lidge tomorrow, in any case. After his performance these last two games, plus the fact that he’s actually pitched in 2 straight, means he’s just not getting into the Sunday Night contest.
So, I hope we have a lead going into the 9th this time.
by Bronn on Aug 15, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow what a win
I like our chances with Javy tommorrow
by UltimaParadox on Aug 15, 2009 10:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can anyone link me to any kind of article that explain Victorino’s douchebaggeriness?
I don’t like him at all, but I don’t really know why, other than the fact that he smiles too much. Maybe that’s why I didn’t like Francoeur that much either.
by Bobby Cocks on Aug 15, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
http://www.metsblog.com/2009/05/08/note-shane-victorino-is-a-cheater/
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4467307&c_id=nym
http://wap.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081004&content_id=3591763&c_id=mlb
http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/07/27/mccann_braves_injured.html
by danielmobo on Aug 15, 2009 11:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ill probably get ripped for this … but the McCann thing wasnt dirty… McCann admitted it wasnt dirty… Victorino made sure he was ok… it was a hard nosed play at the plate… some of the other thigns are a little douchish.. but he just plays hard and is apparently willing to get hit by a ball or run into/over a player to get the job done…
if he’s a douche he’s a douche but i dont think any of these are evidence of it…
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
by Swo12bv on Aug 16, 2009 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with you. I would really enjoy having him play in an Atlanta uniform.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, yeah, yeah……but are people not allowed to have a nemesis that plays on the team they hate most? That’s all I’m saying. I hate the guy, and he’s a douche. And has a little bit of talent.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love to have him and Chase Utley
With those two, we could 110 games.
by Bronn on Aug 16, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chase Utley I respect, not Victorino.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me,
He seems like the type of guy that you’d love to have on your team but hate if he’s not on your team.
by ATLforlife on Aug 16, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he isn’t on my team, and I think the guy is awesome.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
jesus christ
this has nothing to do with the Braves, but i was at the Dbacks/dodgers game tonight when Kuroda got his face smashed in my a line drive (check espn).
after he was hit in the face, EVERY Dodger player ran to the mound to check on Kuroda…well, all except for one: Manny F’ing Ramirez. he just stood in left field for a good 3 or 4 minutes before walking in.
what a total ass hole. things really are bigger than you Manny.
anyways, good win boys and lets kill em tomorrow.
the whole thing just really rubbed me the wrong way tonight. sorry if this isn’t Braves related.
7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney
REMEMBER THAT BOYS.
by mvhsbball on Aug 16, 2009 12:22 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Manny doesn't stop being Manny, even when a teammate is bleeding from the face.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Aug 16, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
knowing Manny he probably had no clue what was even going on, he never seems to at least in the field
by McCann's the Man on Aug 16, 2009 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just thinking tonight, if we had the players that we now have, at the beginning of the season,wonder where
we would be in the standings. I say most likely First in our division.
That means a line up without 2 or 3 auto outs! Granted KJ has come around, and Jordan/Logan injured and sent down, and of course Frenchy with the Mutts.
Well, FW got us the players we needed, and off we go…..lots of exciting games yet to come!
Go Braves!
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
by HEYJUDE on Aug 16, 2009 1:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Javy's been lights out lately
Tomorrow is gonna be huge.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Aug 16, 2009 2:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Phillies fans over on The Good Phight are terrible.
I read/post on opposing teams sites all the time and I’ve never seen fans be so hateful towards opposing fans as they are over there. I mean, I can certainly understand being bitter and sarcastic to people who make really off-the-wall comments or are taunting, but I didn’t even see any of that.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
by Little Lady on Aug 16, 2009 3:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After a tough loss is probably not the best time to go to an opposing site.
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
by bravos1984 on Aug 16, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it was bad over there yesterday. Apparently Braves fans are by far the WORST fans of any sports team in America. What a freaking joke.
by Bobby Cocks on Aug 16, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re still jealous, in general.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Philadelphia
What else would you expect, coming from a blog of a city that prides itself on its sports devotion so rough and tumble that they’re happy to be mean and crude to everyone else, and sometimes themselves? Besides, I’ve seen things get comparably bad over here when the Braves have lost some games they shouldn’t have lost…
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Aug 16, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blasphemer. You know fully well that if it werent for corrupt umpires and a few unlucky breaks the Braves would go 162-0.
7/10/09-A New Dawn.
by !Vive la Francoeur! on Aug 16, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone gets unlucky breaks and bad umpiring. But this season, I’m seeing stuff I’ve just never seen before from umpires.
It’s pointless to complain, but this stuff just NEVER happens.
1) Home plate umpire walks toward Braves’ dugout, lineup card IN hand, asking Bobby who he should eject from the game. After the game, he fist-bumps the Marlins’ catcher.
2) Home plate umpire signals strike, runner is thrown out and called out at second base, and the runner is then told to take his base.
If the MLB took some kind of action regarding those two incidents, I promise I’d stop complaining about umps for the rest of the season.
by Bronn on Aug 16, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+20
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed all but the 9th inning yesterday….and boy am I glad I got to see us come out of that game with a WIN to tie this series!!!
I’m hoping (crossing fingers) to be able to see the game tonight. My out of town visitors decided to extend their stay, but I’ve informed them that tonight, no matter what they’re gonna have to watch baseball with me LOL.
Javy on the mound makes me very optimistic. Perhaps our offense will make this one a no-doubter and send the Phillies home knowing the Braves OWN them this year.
by NCChopper on Aug 16, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
twas the night after Christmas
Sorry didn’t have a better opening line…Well, the game came on at 11pm over here in Kuwait (AFN) and by the top of the 9th I was taking pwr hits…only to be awoken by one of my co-workers screaming out…“He threw it away”! With one eye lid straining to see the big screen I saw FUGA jogging into score and the “speed deamon” Diaz sliding into 3rd. Now I was awake….Cockroach…int walk…Norton works a walk….Church who I though would be PH’d by KJ looked lost at the plate… stuck out..then “Infinity man” hits a “seeing eyer” through the hole…with a smile I headed to my bunk to have a nice time out and sweet dreams!
by bravestatoo on Aug 16, 2009 10:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hells yeah
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anderson scored from 1st?!
Okay, I missed the game yesterday so I am gonna need some clarification, Anderson….as in Garrett Anderson?…. scored from 1st? How God-awful was the throw that allowed that gastropod to score from first?
7/10/09-A New Dawn.
by !Vive la Francoeur! on Aug 16, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought Diaz scored…..
And I never got to vote ‘10’ on a poll this week!!! huh?
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was just a perfect situation… the ball passed first and stopped in an area equidistant between Howard (1B), Utley (2B), and Werth (RF).
Garret scored from first on the Diaz bunt to tie the game. Diaz scored from third on the Infante single.
by danielmobo on Aug 16, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Heyward
anyone know how he did last night? im on a phone up in phoenix and can’t get milb.com.
7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney
REMEMBER THAT BOYS.
by mvhsbball on Aug 16, 2009 12:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Heyward
he walked, though, and no Ks
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
by VivaLosBravos on Aug 16, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yuck. he has officially hit his first slump. good to see freddie playing better tho. i was a little worried when his average was down to .260
7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney
REMEMBER THAT BOYS.
by mvhsbball on Aug 16, 2009 1:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
"ugly win"
I mean no offense but I feel this term is used too loosely. Did Philly win the
prior night becauase Sorianio through an ugly slider a few inches off the
side to center plate.
Game of inches: Kawakami held the vaunted phillies for 7 innings. Diaz
bunts and in this situation nerves are tight, a bad through follows and Braves
win. Pehaps ugly, but perhaps the total effort and a stellar performance by an
improving back of the rotation pitcher sets the stage for the tide of the game of
inches to shift.
by sealift67 on Aug 16, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Valid
But the reason I said it was an ugly win is because the game-tying and game-winning runs were both unearned. It was as more the fault of the Phillies’ poor play that cost them the game than it was the Braves putting the ball into play. It’s never pretty, but I’ll still take it.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Aug 16, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I swear to god this whole thing is ridiculous
You people are going over to TGP and arguing with them about nothing. How fucking old are you guys? They dont come here, so why bother their blog?
by esadb on Aug 16, 2009 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol, I don’t go over there, but I’ll gladly talk shit about them here. The Phillies suck ass and are going down tonite, hard.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t go over there until I saw them come over here. It really is stupid all around though. My dad can beat up your dad type stuff.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
isnt it bad that if the braves dont win today i will go into deep depression?
by MacsGlasses on Aug 16, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, you might want to take a week off of baseball or something.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but if they win i wont be able to feel good unless im watching
by MacsGlasses on Aug 16, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
look at it this way: it could be worse. you could be a Cubs fan.
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or a Natinals fan.
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or even the Nationals. kidding
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Aug 16, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HA. sure. awesome stuff. (bows)
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Aug 16, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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