That was a wild game.
The Braves were no-hit through 7 1/3 innings by lefty Scott Olsen, but David Ross broke the no-hit bid with a single to left field. Talking Chop was fully responsible for the hit with their "HITS HITS HITS!!!!" movement in the Game Thread, so we'll take credit for that in all of the national post game write-ups and recaps. Sound good? I thought so too.
After Ross' single in the 8th, Melky Cabrera reached first on a throwing error from Ryan Zimmerman. Nate McLouth delivered with a single to RF to load the bases up for the Braves. Jason Heyward was on deck.
Scott Olsen was then removed from the game and received a standing ovation from the Nationals crowd of 83 people. Tyler Clippard came into the game and was greeted rudely by the 20-year old phenom. After getting ahead in the count 1-2, Jason Heyward roped a ball into left field that scored David Ross and Melky Cabrera. The Braves, after being no hit through 7 1/3 innings, had tied the ball game. And the Jay Hey kid had struck again.
The Natinals were set down 1-2-3 in the 8th and the Braves came to the plate with all the momentum. Chipper Jones walked and Troy Glaus showed off his singles POWAH to get 2 runners on base for the Braves with only 1 out. Matt Diaz drew a walk to load the bases for David Ross. After probably swinging at balls 2 and 3, Ross (predictably) hit into an easy 6-4-3 double play to end the inning without a runner scoring for the Braves. Why wasn't Brian McCann hitting here? I know he's been struggling, but still. I would have preferred McCann, but you all can discuss that in the comments.
Eric O'Flaherty surprisingly came back to the mound in the 9th inning to face Adam Kennedy, who he promptly walked to lead off the inning for the Nationals. The struggling Peter Moylan was then called in from the pen and gave up a double to Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman. After an intentional walk to Cristian Guzman to load the bases, former Brave Willie Harris drove in the winning run with a RBI single up the middle.
Natinals win 3-2.
The Braves deserve a ton of credit for coming back, but the loss still stings.
Game MVP(s): Tim Hudson and Jason Heyward
Game LVP(s): The Braves offense besides Jason Heyward.
Upcoming Game:
The Braves will pack their bags and make the short flight to Philadelphia take the train up to Philadelphia to kick off a 3-game series with the Phillies. Everyone's favorite $60MM ace Derek Lowe will be on the mound for the Braves and 94-year old Jamie Moyer will pitch for the Phillies. First pitch is at 7:05 EST.
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Go Braves.