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Jurrjens Takes The Mound vs. Pirates
April 2, 2008 – 5:17 pmJair Jurrjens takes the mound tonight in his first start for the Atlanta Braves. He’ll take the mound opposite Tom Gorzelanny, who is coming off a 14 win season with the Pirates. This should be a good game, and I hope Jair gets past the jitters to pitch well in his Braves debut.
Kelly Johnson may play - let’s hope the strained knee he ran into Monday isn’t a factor tonight. Jurrjens has shown some nerves as of late - he’s publically admitted to being nervous about being in the same starting rotation as Smoltz, Hudson, and Glavine. His dad has been a Braves fan for years so it’ll be good to see the first big league start from a guy who’s been a Braves fan his entire life.
Will Jurrjens settle and pitch a solid game? Will Kelly Johnson have more issues with his knee? And will errors from the infielders or crazy outings by the bullpen throw the game away again?
I’ll be commenting while I watch, so drop on by and hang out, post a few comments.
Tags: Jair Jurrjens, Kelly Johnson, Pittsburgh Pirates
Posted in Game Threads |
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Here we are, sitting on the couch waiting for the game to start. Yes, I’m two hours early. So what? I like me some Braves baseball!
By Bill on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I, too, am waiting and counting the minutes until the first pitch. I did get to watch a great game between the Brewers ad Cubs this afternoon…Cubs 2 games back already! The Tigers are 2 gaes out already also…anybody noticing a pattern? We are apparently in pretty good company!
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Excellent, sounds good Bill.
Watching the pregame now. I hope Teixeira can light us up some offense tonight.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Johnson isn’t starting - he apparently can pinch hit if necessary. No structural damage (he had an MRI), but he’s in a bit of pain.
Just saw an interview with Jurrjens - seems like a nice, soft-spoken young man. Brian McCann is appparently very impressed and says he looks like a 10 year vet on the mound, as far as confidence is concerned. Good stuff to hear.
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I hope the bullpen looks better tonight!
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
You and me both, Brandon. I hope Jair can make it more than 5 innings, too.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
First pitch is a ball. Looks like a great night at the park.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Slow chopper to Prado. One down.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Time for another game. Time to crack the win column guys. Definitely a great night for baseball. Rue’s hacking away at the game on her scorecard. She doesn’t miss KJ in the game.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Sanchez is aboard. Jurrjens’ stuff looks nasty so far.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
There’s a strikeout. Very pretty changeup.
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I’m impressed with JJ’s change-up!!!
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
JJ’s looking good through the first, hopefully he can keep it up. Getting through the first is a little tricky.
Sidenote: We’re having a couple problems with page rendering, I’m working on it.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
There’s a drive… hits the base of the wall and Prado has a triple.
Jurrjens struck out two last half inning. He looks great.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Couldn’t ask for better placement on that triple, it just died under the wall.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Chipper singles. Braves up 1-0.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Good to see Chipper getting the bat going early….nice to see us crack the scoreboard first.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Well, that looked like an Andruw inning-killer.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I hope Teixeira can break it out tonight. He had a couple good cuts - but was sitting fastball on a couple changeups.
That said, glad we’re on the board.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Speaking of Andruw, I had a friend suggest earlier today we should add “Balls Andruw would have swung out of his shoes at” to the counter. That way we can keep track of how much better Kotsay’s pitch selection is.
By Jeff on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
At work tonight, with limited internet access, loving the updates…
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Was it Charles that made that suggestion? He’s been talking about it for a few weeks….
Glad to have you along Jeff.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Top of the 2nd was uneventful - got ‘em in order.
What about Francoeur’s at-bat? Working the count from 0-2 to 3-2? That’s not what we’re used to.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
We’re not really used to him having a count at all….he likes to fly out on the first pitch. Good at-bat for McCann, earned a walk out of it all.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Jeff, glad to have you along. Check back as you can.
It wasn’t Charles - another buddy of mine who took our seats for the night.
We’ve got a good half-inning going here.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Grounded into the second double play of the night. We need to stop losing runners too easily.
Good drive by Kotsay, a little short of getting out of the park though.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Jurrjens’ Surgeons? Really?
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I could go all my life without hearing Joe Simpson say “Those guys were dancing machines” ever again.
By Akshay on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Hey, just to let you guys know, Pedro’s out 4-6 weeks with a mild hamstring strain
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
WOW
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Akshay - no tear, I guess? I’ll go read up on it.
That ball hit closer to Diaz than Kotsay, so Andruw wouldn’t have gotten there, IMO. Jurrjens pitches out of it though. 4 Ks so far.
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I agree, Andruw couldn’t have got that.
By Akshay on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Nope, no tear. Lucky for the Mets, otherwise Pedro would have probably been done for good.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
At this rate, we’ll have to take the counter down.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Alright, first and third for Chipper. Good at-bat from Yunel. Here’s to not hitting into a double-play.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Sac fly is better than nothing…..I’ll take the run at this stage of the game.
By Akshay on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
The Muts called up Nelson Figueroa, who I think is supposed to be one of their “stud” prospects. Not sure though…
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
It seems like the braves just need to have runners on when chippers up to bat!
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Bay sat on that first pitch fastball. Jurrjens may need to mix it up here a little bit. Time to induce the ground ball.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Loved the LaRoche strikeout. He just froze.
Glad to see us get out of the inning after the two baserunners.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Nice shot by Diaz. Just snaked that inside the foul pole. Only a solo shot.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Diaz got into that one - lucky it stayed fair. 3-0 lead!
I’m off to play some flag football. I’ll be back towards the end of the game.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Quick 1-2-3 inning for Jurrjens. Rolling into the bottom of the 5th up 3-0.
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
JJ is lookin good! 7 pitch inning. NICE!!!
By Akshay Amaraneni on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I wish I could see this…I’m stuck at the library with a group for a project
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Jair’s getting into a little trouble here in the 6th. First and second with no outs….
Slow roller to first, no chance at the double play for Teixeira, gets the runner at first. Second and third, one out. Roger McDowell out for a trip to the mound; Ohman and Resop up in the pen.
By Smitty on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Ouch. JJ’s officially in trouble.
Smitty
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
2 straight singles, 2 runs in. Runners first and second, one out. 3-2 Braves.
By Smitty on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Well, there he goes.
Good outing, kid.
Let’s see if Ohman can clean things up.
Smitty
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
JJ’s done for the night, good round of applause from the fans for his first major league start. Ohman’s heading into the game for the Braves.
By Smitty on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Wait. just reading back through.
Rather than watching the game, Colin is playing fag footbal?
By Smitty on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Sorry.
“Flag.”
Smitty
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Ok, they lied to me. Jeff Bennett’s in the game for the Braves.
And yes, yes he is.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
5-4-3 double play and the Braves are out of the inning, still up 3-2. Good dodge of the broken bat by Chipper.
By Smitty on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Was it Bennett or Boyer credited with the loss Monday night?
Smitty
By Jeff on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Is Gorzelanny done after 5? or into the 6th?
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Boyer got the loss Monday night.
Gorzelanny just finished out the 6th for the Pirates. We’re heading to the top of 7th, Braves up 3-2.
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
how has the game went so far i dont get the channel they are playing on tonight and i noticed Pedro martinez has to go on the dl for the mets
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Manny Acosta in the game for the Braves to pitch the 7th.
Travis -
We’re up 3-2 with two outs in the top of the 7th.
Pedro Martinez is out 4-6 weeks with a strained hamstring.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Acosta sends down the Pirates 1-2-3 in the top of the 7th. 7th inning stretch time guys (and girls for Rue and Connie if she’s around).
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
we need to take advantage of that three to six weeks have you heard anything on brad lidge for the phillies last i heard he had some kind of injury
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Tyler Yates downs the rest of the side for the Pirates. We’re headed to the 8th, Braves still leading 3-2.
Travis -
Lidge had surgery on Feb 25 on his knee. He’s looking to finish rehab and be back in Philly on Saturday.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Peter Moylan’s in the game to the Braves to assume the setup role that he’s slated for this season. Hopefully he can hold the 8th to set it up for Soriano.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Moylan walks one after retiring one. Bobby’s pulling him to put Royce Ring in the game. I don’t quite understand why they won’t let Moylan pitch full setup innings.
By Elias on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
What is up with Bobby? I mean running out of pitchers in the 11th on Monday and now pulling Moylan after a walk?
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Elias-
I really don’t know but I don’t approve of the move. I don’t understand why we’re burning through pitchers after 1/3 of an inning repeatedly. The bullpen can only go so far. If something happens tonight and we have to go into extras, we’re in trouble once again.
Resop’s in the game now.
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
i hate not nowing whats going in the game but i dont live close enought to atlanta to get the games
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Well we’re glad you’re here with us for the game, Travis.
Resop’s got runners on 1st and 2nd, two outs, 3-2 count.
Fly ball to center field. Out of the inning.
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
what happen to moylan being the top setup man
By Elias on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
The pitching to one batter thing is just odd, I can’t recall anything like this so early in previous seasons- as a side, A-rod hits his first of many home runs.
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
what about pitching to one batter
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Chipper walks and Tyler Yates is out of the game. Marte’s in the game to pitch for the Pirates.
Tex goes yard to straight away center! #1 of the season. Braves up 5-2!
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Frenchie and BMac and Diaz all tee off on Marte with well hit singles. 1 more run in and runners on first and second. 6-2 Braves.
By Akshay Amaraneni on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Three straight singles plate another run
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
its funny because i got a text message about the score, before espn gamecast could update it’s site
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I’m back from flag football, Smitty. Calm down. And we’re tied for the top of our division, so we gotta win.
Just got back in time to see Prado’s collision and Escobar’s homer.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Prado gets tripped up by Adam LaRoche beating out the play at first. He goes down hard and stays down. A few minutes with the trainers and Prado’s up with an RBI single. Kotsay’s on third.
Yunel takes the first pitch to left-center for a 3 run homer. Braves lead 10-2!
By Akshay Amaraneni on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Escobar! Man, where were all these runs on Sunday night?
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
it’s good to see the Braves back into the “swing” of things
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Ohman in to close out the game for the Braves. Fly out to center, one away.
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
i really hope this is the braves year to win it all because im afraid texiera is gone after this year
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Chipper barehands one for the second out.
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
who gets the start tomorrow on the mound
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Great play by Chipper. That’s not easy. One more out to go.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Lisa -
We’ll see Mike Hampton tomorrow evening.
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
one out away from winning!!!
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
probably hudson
By Brandon on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
It was refreshing to see the bullpen back in business!!! I’ll see yall tomorrow night.
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Lisa, we’ll see Hampton for the first time this year tomorrow.
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
That’s a ballgame. Braves win 10-2!
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
oh yea i forgot about hampton
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
hudson already?
By Jonathan on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Good to have you Brandon, chat with you tomorrow.
By Travis on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
hampton will got tommorow i forgot about him i thought he had already pitched
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Exellent. I’m glad to get the first win on the board.
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
hope hampton pulls it off
By Colin on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
We do too, Lisa. See y’all tomorrow night.
By lisa on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I will be stuck at work for part of the game
By Rue Grant on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to apologize that my score card for this evening is incomplete. During inning 4, the pizza got here, and during the 7th inning stretch, I had to go make myself a sundae.
And for future reference, any place where “WW” appears as the “official” score on the card, that means “wasn’t watching.” my bad.
the score cards will be posted tomorrow for those interested in the ALMOST play-by-play. i even score balls/strikes. and i’ll get better as the season goes on, but the first game on Monday was a good warm up. it needed an addendum, which is posted somewhere on the site… just not with the first nine innings.
-Rue.
By Rue Grant on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
chat box, boys?
By JBinATL on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Great game tonight. I wish I coulda blogged with y’all tonight.
Nice win for Jurrjens too!