BRAVES NEWS
Braves Hold Off Mets To Win 7-5
TC's Ben Duronio has been in the press box this weekend at Citi Field and got to cover a drama filled second game of the series on Saturday night in which the Braves pulled out victoriously in with a 7-5 win. Not often does Craig Kimbrel get pulled with his team only leading by two runs, but that's exactly what Fredi G. did with his pitch count up. Jordan Walden closed it down and was able to secure the win for Ervin Santana who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Check out the recap from the game and receive one of our very own writers insight from media row.
Upton Comes Through In The Clutch
If not for a three-run home run hit by Justin Upton in the top of the ninth inning the outcome might have been different for the leaders of the NL East who have now won seven of their past eight games. When J-Up puts the ball in play he is absolutely crushing the ball and finding the right gaps in the defense to hit it, proven by his team leading .432 BABIP. He had a great night at the park logging three hits and also stole his second base of the season.
Freddie piled up three more hits and drove in his 13th run of the season with a double off of Bartolo Colon in the fifth inning to add to the Braves lead. The Braves future All Star first baseman is killing it in all the major batting categories: .413 AVG (3rd MLB), 26 hits (3rd MLB), 6 doubles (Tied-4th MLB), five home runs (Tied-2nd MLB), .493 OBP (1st), .746 SLG (1st), 1.239 (1st), 47 total bases (1st). He really wasn't kidding when he told Chipper he couldn't be stopped.
Click on the link to see the comical plate appearance Bartolo Colon had against Santana on Saturday night. Safe to say it isn't a pretty sight, but will have you rolling on the floor in laughter.
Kimbrel Apologizes For Mouthing Off To Manager
Sometimes in the heat of the moment some players let their emotions get the best of them and that is exactly what happened to the Braves star closer in the ninth inning. Craig Kimbrel came in for a non save opportunity with his team up 7-3, but he allowed two runs and was yanked after loading the bases after issuing a walk to Lucas Duda. Earlier in the week he was not available to pitch for a game with a sore right shoulder and Fredi Gonzalez didn't want to let him go over the 23-25 pitch range. He was visibly upset after his manager decided to pull him after throwing 24 pitches, but he apologized right after the game to his team and head coach. The Braves bullpen has struggled to start the season and has a 5.75 ERA.
Mike Minor is expected to join the Braves roster after this weekend series with the Mets after finishing his rehab stint with Gwinnett on Saturday night. The southpaw who led the pitching staff last season with 181 strikeouts and 13 wins is expected to make his season debut next weekend either on Friday or Saturday night at Turner Field when the Braves take on the Cincinnati Reds. Minor was very sharp in his last outing. Check out TC's minor league recap written by Ian Morris to see exactly how Minor fared.
Harang Surprise Leader Of Staff
It's safe to say DOB is just surprised as we are about how dominant Aaron Harang has been so far this season. The Braves starting pitching staff has only allowed 18 earned runs in 111 innings pitched this season (1.62 ERA). The veteran pitcher is second to just Mark Buehrle with a mere 0.70 ERA in his four starts. Twice this season he has taken a no-hitter into the seventh inning and he never in fact lost it on Friday night, but had to be pulled due to his high pitch count.
B.J. Upton On A Four Game Hit Streak
Very encouraging signs for Bossman Jr. who is 9-for-29 (.310 AVG) over his past seven games. He's stolen four bases and been improving in the two-hole, but the team would like to see his power numbers grow and run production. His only run batted in this season has come off of a solo home run.
Fredi Visits Replay Command Center
Believe it or not the Braves fourth-year head coach is the first to visit the location of where staffed officials review challenged plays in baseball games in New York. Mark Bowman reports on his visit to the area where the Braves have been a benefactor of calls this season.
Check out this link for the virtual view of what the new stadium will look like in 2017. Justin Upton said this weekend that while players will be upset to leave the memories behind at Turner Field they are also very excited about moving to a new ballpark.
LEAGUE NEWS
Longoria Sets Rays HR Record In Blowout Of Yankees
Evan Longoria hit one of his team's five home runs in the 16-1 rout of the New York Yankees. He now has hit 164 home runs in his career. Ryan Hanigan and Will Myers each hit two home runs apiece in the Trop.
Albert Pujols has now hit six home runs in his past 10 games and is swinging it like it's 2004 again. Fans should be packing the stadiums where he goes within the next week or so as he approaches the 500 club that consists of just 25 players as of right now.