Conrad Homers, Lowe K's 9, Braves Cruise To Sweep, 5-1
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 29, 2010 8:28 PM EDT
in Braves Game Recaps
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One of the running themes of this Braves season has been resiliency. Not just because of the Braves' resurrection following the 9-game losing streak, or even the numerous improbable comeback wins, but also because even the unheralded or ridiculed players have had moments in which they have raised their game when the team needed them to. Tonight, the resiliency came from Brooks Conrad and Derek Lowe.
Conrad, the 30-year-old rookie, is filling in for Martin Prado, who himself was filling in for Chipper Jones. He may not be an All-Star or an Atlanta legend, but in his 2-and-a-half games since replacing Prado, he's had some huge hits. The latest was a monster 3-run blast off of Marlins starter Andrew Miller that turned a slim lead into a comfortable one.
Lowe, who for much of his tenure in Atlanta has been public enemy #1, continued his fantastic September with a dominant performance. He struck out 9 Marlins and held them scoreless until his final inning (after the Braves had taken a 4-run lead). True, he threw a lot of pitches and didn't quite make it through the sixth inning, but much like Tim Hudson last night, he put forth a gutsy effort (on short rest) in his most important start of the year. That's what you want your veteran starters to do; that's why we're paying Lowe the big money. If Derek pitches like this in the playoffs, he might actually--*gasp*--be worth all that money.
Lowe's final line was 5.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, and 9 K. I'll take that every time.
Miller kept the Braves off the board despite a plethora of baserunners for the first 2 innings, but the Braves finally made him pay in the 3rd. Matt Diaz and Derrek Lee walked with 1 out (2 of the amazing 10 walks drawn by the Braves today). Alex Gonzalez, who had a terrible day at the plate, then flew out, but David Ross picked him up, scorching a double down the line to put the Braves up 1-0. Ross actually had doubles in his first three at-bats--not bad for a backup catcher. That brought up Conrad, who crushed a ball over the left-center-field wall to put the Braves up 4-0. Miller finished with a line of 3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, and 2 K. Ouch.
Last night's hero, Eric Hinske, drew a bases-loaded walk in the 8th to give the Braves an insurance run. The Braves' bullpen was excellent once again, as Peter Moylan, Mike Dunn, Craig Kimbrel, and Billy Wagner combined to shut out the Marlins for the last three-and-a-third innings. They gave up just 2 hits and 1 walk, and struck out 4.
Now, with the Giants and Padres not playing for a couple more hours, the Braves have put pressure on them to keep pace. At this point, the Braves know that no matter what happens out west, they will make the playoffs if they win 2/3 against the Phillies. Even winning 1/3 will all but ensure a postseason berth. It's actually possible for the Braves to clinch before they even start the Philly series (if both the Giants and the Padres lose tonight and tomorrow, the Braves will be guaranteed to finish ahead of at least one of them).
I'll close with a question: How many of you guys have tickets for this weekend, and if you don't, what are you waiting for? (Non-southeasterners get a pass here, obviously.)
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By the way,
I’ll be there Saturday for Bobby Cox night midafternoon. Hopefully they’ll already have clinched by then, but if not, I look forward to seeing them celebrate on Bobby’s big day.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
i think i read this on here somewhere a few days ago?
If I’m wrong I apologize!!!! Congrats on your nuptials PAC!!!!!
by jdmarine on Sep 29, 2010 9:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You're correct,
and thanks!
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 29, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
You need to do the pre/post game posts from now on. You have brought 2 sweeps (Mets/Marlins).
Keep it up!!!!!
by BravesFanScout on Sep 29, 2010 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
haha, I know...
Everyone else has been slacking!
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 29, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Lovely WIN / SWEEP!
My avatar says it for me...
"Curve: The loveliest distance between two points." ~ Mae West
I <3 Brooksy!
Now let’s beat up on the Phillies – oh yes.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Sep 29, 2010 8:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I'll be down there for ALL three games
you guys, you ATL guys, should REALLY have no excuse not to make it out there for at least ONE game.
i think the Braves should give the tickets away for Bobby’s last game if they’re not already sold out. It’ll be awesome. I kinda wish it were still a night game. What time should we be in the seats for the tribute?
Ooh where at?
I also live in NC. I would drive down to Atlanta in a heartbeat if I didn’t have to work this weekend.
Besides, the one game I was able to make it to this year they got pounded by the Cardinals. So I’m not sure you all would want me there anyway.
Milk was a bad choice...
Awesome
I’m working in Greensboro this year (but commuting from Durham…good times). It’s a nice city.
And it’s okay that you’re a UNC fan. Nobody’s perfect. ;)
Milk was a bad choice...
According to promos on TV
Standing room only tickets are $20. Not really that bad, especially if Saturday is a nice afternoon.
I’ll be there Friday! Had a prior obligation on Saturday (though I could have made it up there, but it would have taken some working), and then even when I was looking on StubHub for tickets for Sunday about three weeks ago, they were already too expensive for me. Now I just don’t want SRO tickets!
And they’re saying to be in your seats by 3:15 on Saturday. :)
It’s my anniversary this weekend so I’ll be out of town. I’ll be keeping track of the team on my phone though…everyone have fun at the Ted this weekend.
You don't want to spend your anniversary weekend at the Ted?
I think clinching the Wild Card would definitely be the best anniversary gift.
I'm an ATL guy
and have tix to the Oct 3rd game.
yay me :)
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
680 the fan
Said to be in your seats by 3
Who is LeBron, and where is Miami?
by Kineticist on Sep 30, 2010 9:16 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The braves ticket mgr told me no later than 3:15...via email
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
by bravestatoo on Sep 30, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
We. Can. Do. This.
"(Kelly's) got a veteran team that is the favorite to win the Pac-10. His choice of Thomas reflects only one belief: He’s our best QB today."-Ted Miller
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Sep 29, 2010 8:58 PM EDT reply actions
COME TO ATLANTA!!
HOP IN THE CAR AND COME HERE!
This broom
be tastin mighty good tonight.
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
;)
Also,
Is there anyone left who thinks the Braves should have broke camp with Joe Thurston?
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
Who?...hee hee
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
by bravestatoo on Sep 30, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Went yesterday, went tonight
And am going to the final three games this weekend.
you should sign up for the
Meet-N-Greet!
Check the Fanposts for info!
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
by Sir Veza on Sep 29, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll be staying up all night Saturday to cook a pig for homecoming at church sunday, which means i may not even be able to stay awake once the Sunday game begins, so hopefully they clinch Saturday and i can crash once lunch is over Sunday.
Coming soon: winningugly visits Atlanta, takes dump in royhobbs’ Braves hat.
You’re about the third person to suggest this! And I absolutely couldn’t turn it down! Hell, I’ll just take staying for Saturday and Sunday. =D
cheapest/safest place to stay near is
If you have or have a “friend” with a military ID card…there is a Naval reserve base near Warner Robins that their Lodge charges under 20 bucks a night…the rooms are 2-star but because it is behind a guarded gate it is pretty safe.
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
by bravestatoo on Sep 30, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm 4-0 so far
and I’m going Saturday.
So between the two of us, the Braves are guaranteed to win the first two.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 29, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I have no excuse
I’ll be getting some SRO tickets for the weekend. Damn peer pressure! Will there be a TC get-together before any of the games? It’d be cool to meet some other rabid Braves fans, especially some who can hold an intelligent conversation about baseball…
by -InsertWittyNameHere- on Sep 29, 2010 9:57 PM EDT reply actions
I bought tickets for this weekend in April
"I heard that Tits was "well rounded" and his brother Cans was a "stand out." :D"
by Old Braves' Fan on Aug 18, 2010 3:05 PM PDT
I did too (but only Bobby's Day) an added Friday's a couple of weeks ago
it just felt right and the chance to go to the postseason is hard to pass up. I’ve always respected their orginization… and Bobby…I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it...Derrek Lee (at press conference sayiing he had been traded to the Braves)
by bravestatoo on Sep 30, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
But... but...
I was at the Monday night game! Doesn’t that count?
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror." ~George Carlin
by FineHamAbounds on Sep 29, 2010 10:08 PM EDT reply actions
Well, Well, Well, I must admit.
I was wrong I though without Prado we would throw in the towel but this team hasn’t all year I guess I was more upset about losing martin and I still think that is going to bite us in the butt at some point but hey I cannot wait for the Giants and Padres to beat up on each other this weekend. Philles are really going to take it light on us this weekend according to today’s telecast. According to Chip and Joe we will not see Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels may be on a pitch count if he pitches at all. Seems like the Phils are giving or at-least lettting the BRaves write their own ticket to the post season. Interesting b.c. once the season ends and the post season begins it is a whole new season. I would like to see us in it even if it is for one series, but the Phils took the longer division series so we will not see them in the first round they selected the 8-day one. Interesting just hope it comes back to bite them in ass.
Conrad has great party pop, hell what am I saying he has been huge for us this year, no way in spring training would anyone have guess he would have eight homers and one of them being a walk off grand slam, NO WAY.
GO BRAVES !
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Sep 29, 2010 10:19 PM EDT reply actions
Holy Run-on Sentence
But whatever, glad you came around.
by -InsertWittyNameHere- on Sep 29, 2010 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow
Cubs blew a great opportunity in the 1st. Men on 2nd and 3rd nobody out and nobody scores
A lot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets, the 2-1....
the Cubs have really given us all the help we should expect from them
even if they lose the next two it’s not as big of a deal.
in fact it could potentially be better as it would keep the Pads close enough the the Giants to pass them or try to and let the Reds slip into the 2nd place overall spot in the NL. either situation makes for a better matchup than the Braves getting the Giants.
Padres losses in the Cubs series are good for us, period.
We do want the Giants to lose, too, though.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 29, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't find the game on TV tonight
I’ve been watching them on WGN the last two nights, but they are not on tonight.
I’m watching AZ and SF on ESPN.
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
They're on Comcast Sports Net tonight
Fortunately I get to watch it….but it’s also unfortunate that I have to watch it
Ok Thanks
I can get that…
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
They're getting runners on, and Chris Young hasn't been all that sharp
So I have a good feeling about tonight, and now as I write this a HR gets robbed. UGH!!
1. Okay, can we finally give Lowe a break? The guy has been our best pitcher in a month where nothing was going right. I’ll admit he’s overpaid, but I’m glad to see the Lowe bashing subside for a bit.
2. How pathetic was the turnout today? Wow. I don’t care if the game was at 430. Wrigley seems to do okay with day games. We’re in the chase for the playoffs, and that’s the best Atlanta can do? I’m sorry, but it’s embarrassing. Oh well. I’m doing my part, and I’m flying up to Atlanta for Sat and Sun games. If we make the wildcard, I’ll fly up for those too. Come on, Atlanta. I expect more of you. I’m glad so many from TC will be coming from out of town this weekend. That’s why this site is so good — real fans.
What was the attendance today?
I know that somewhere around 35,000 showed up last night, which is incredible for any sport on a week night in Atlanta.
36k last night, 36k tonight.
Very far from pathetic. Pretty good, actually, for a weeknight during the school year. The weekend is going to sell out, too.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 29, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah well
Those are ticket sales. They refuse to announce the actual attendance. But you’re right about this weekend. It will sell out and everyone will be there.
by -InsertWittyNameHere- on Sep 29, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t look at numbers; I look at the seats, and a lot of them were empty today.
Weeknight? School year? No offense, but in the last week of the season, those kinds of excuses go out the window. Did you see the monday through wednesday games in Philadelphia last week? The seats were packed every night. And believe me, I hate to use them as an example.
I am sure the weekend will sell out though, which is great.
yes but look at the type of fans
Philly has. Does it really look like they care about school or work?
SRSLY
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
Apples and oranges.
Philly has a recent WS-winning team in a much bigger market with a (newer) stadium in a more convenient place and a much larger contingent of long-time die-hard fans.
It’s just like with the Tampa Bay controversy recently; each market has its own benefits/drawbacks. For the Braves, 36,000 for these midweek games is unequivocally a good figure. For the Phillies, 36,000 would be a tad disappointing. For the Rays, 36,000 would be amazing. As long as the place isn’t Marlins-empty, don’t dis the fans who don’t show up, compliment the fans who do show up.
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 30, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
There are so many reasons why locals don’t attend more Braves games that are completely incomprehensible to those who don’t live in/near the Metro Atlanta area, and I’ve listed them so many times ad nauseum unto deaf ears, that I’ve simply just given up on trying to defend the argument.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Going to Baseball games is more of a
Northeastern US thing. Its an event to go to where people plan around alot like football down south.
by Delaware Boiler on Sep 30, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
When they gave Lowe the standing O, it looked like a nice crowd for a 4:30 start. The fans were really into the game it appeared. Good to see…
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
I had the game on SS until the last K of Lowe before he left the game…. then the channel went blank and didn’t return until after it was over so I missed that :-(
I’m so glad to see Lowe looking like he’s having fun on the mound, he’s really been one of the main reasons in Sept. that we’re even in the playoff hunt.
My avatar says it for me...
"Curve: The loveliest distance between two points." ~ Mae West
Think about where Wrigley is in Chicago... and how many people live there..
Then think about where the Ted is in Atlanta… and how many people live there…
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
Yep
A group of us had a blast last night. We just used the 2nd open thread, and were going to do so tonight, but the Cubbies and Padres were not on WGN, so very few could watch the game :(
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
Well, the Cubs should be ahead right now
Two home runs robbed so far tonight, one a solo shot from Soriano and one would have been a 2 run shot from Ramirez. This is frustrating!
I agree :(
C’mon Cubbies!
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
Kind of OT
For anyone interested on actually meeting the people behind the text. Check out info on the (1st?) official TC Meet-N-Greet:
http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/9/28/1717357/talking-chop-meet-n-greet-oct-1-2-and-3
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
Went to tonight’s game and planning on going to 2/3 of the upcoming games. Good crowd for a 4:30 game.
Morton hit Heyward with an offspeed pitch. Early indication is that the baseball survived the impact.
It looked like the fans were really into the game too!
Good to see…
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
Pumped for this weekend
I’m 40-14 this year, be jealous of me living in Atlanta.
Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand.
Padres won :(
Oh well
"The Dos Equis guys want me to be the least interesting man in the world" - Drama
and the Giants won also....
*Just Chill* when things start to look a bit difficult-don't panic as you take away your ability to think straight. Go Braves! Go Dawgs! Go Falcons!
Im going to Saturday
I was at Mondays and Tuesday. I am 12-5 this year, but the interesting thing is I bought a Bobby Cox jersey before the season started, and it is now 11-0. If it finishes undefeated, I am retiring it, framing it, and never wearing it again.
I'm coming from Kansas City
on Friday morning to go to all 3 games…no excuses from anyone not to make it :)
by Dale Murphy for HOF on Sep 30, 2010 2:01 AM EDT reply actions
Drills
I have drills all weekend and will not be able to make any games. Damn Army : (
Admired as a saint. Defined by my rank. Combined with my strength. My time and my length.
im a poor college student
who has to live in the hell hole that is Philly
by Delaware Boiler on Sep 30, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Driving down from NC
Gonna be there for the FIRST two games before the playoff run begins.
Yyyyyeeeeaaah boy!
WHO ARE YOU
And what have you done with Derek Lowe??
In September, the guy has been an ace. In 5 games he’s lowered his season ERA by a half run. He’ll finish the year with an ERA right at 4.00. This month he’s allowed 3 walks in 30.2 innings while striking out 29 . 61 GB outs vs 29 FB outs in those 5 starts. Awesome.
A lot of us doubted this guy all year, myself included. But where would we be without him? What if we still had Javy Vasquez? I feel a lot better about our 3 man October rotation than I did a few weeks ago.
Go Braves
See ya sunday.
I have been to 5 games this year. Including Ubaldo’s no hitter, Heywards walkoff against colorado, the game braves took first from Philly on memorial day, 11-6 vs brew crew on beach boys night and gonzo’s walk-off homer in extra innings against the cardinals.
4-1… not bad.
I'll be there on Saturday
I can’t effin wait. About 15 of us are going and we’re getting up there at 11 to tailgate.
Who is LeBron, and where is Miami?
by Kineticist on Sep 30, 2010 9:12 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Flying in from DC tomorrow!
and the rest of the family is coming up from South Florida… we’re all going Saturday, and can’t wait! If my flight makes it in on time, I don’t know that I’ll be able to keep myself away from the Ted on Friday night either…
For all who whine about Derek Lowe...get over it!
No, he’s not worth $15 mil, but you can pencil him in for 15-16 wins every year and he has been our savior in this playoff push. BTW, what a bullpen we have, I love watching Craig Kimbrel!
I'd much rather have
D Lowe than Burnett right now hands down
Who is LeBron, and where is Miami?
by Kineticist on Sep 30, 2010 10:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Or John Lackey, or any number of other guys making similar or more $$
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Sep 30, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
As much as we griped about Lowe earlier in the season, ever since they retooled his approach, he’s been fantastic.
I haven't written one mean thing about him since.
Every time I complained, it was because I wanted him to do better. Anyone who saw him in Boston and LA knows he’s a number 1 level starter. I just got tired of never seeing that.
"Everybody's gotta do what they've gotta do." - Joe Simpson
Can't make Saturday
I’ll be in Auburn, but I do have tickets for Sunday. On one hand I hope it’s a meaningful game, but I’d rather us have that out of the way by then.
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