Joe Benson, folks. Learn the name. Study the name.
The 27-year-old career minor leaguer has emerged as a dark horse for a Braves roster spot, and he did everything he could to show why on Thursday night. He finished the game 4-5, including a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Joe Benson caps off his great night with a #walkoff single, and the #Braves beat the Orioles, 6-5! #BravesST
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 3, 2015
Alex Wood got the start for the Braves and looked very sharp. His control was right where you want it to be going into the regular season. He threw five innings, allowing one run on six hits and no walks while striking out four.
Alex Wood's ST stats (combined): 5 GS, 19.2 IP, 21 H, 8 ER, 5 BB, 12 K, 1 HR. He'll likely go Tues in MIA vs Latos. #Braves
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) April 2, 2015
Nick Markakis had two hits as he looks to find a rhythm after a fairly slow start since joining the team this spring. Freddie Freeman, Andrelton Simmons, and Todd Cunningham - who is battling Benson for a roster spot - all contributed one RBI in the game.
Chien-Ming Wang allowed five hits and three earned runs in just 1.1 IP. It was a disappointing appearance from him in likely his last chance to prove something before the season.
Recently acquired Brave Andrew McKirahan was credited with the win. The southpaw threw a perfect ninth inning and struck out two.
The Braves will be back in action again on Friday at 6:05. This time they'll travel to the Orioles camp for the second game of the series.