Braves Knock Out Fish 7-4

Written by Colin on April 25, 2008 – 10:26 am

The offense has two positions - on and off.  They tore out of the gate yesterday - scoring five runs in the first inning while batting through the order.  That included a 2 RBI double from Francoeur and a massive fly ball from Chuck James - had he not gotten under it, we would have seen the first hit from a Braves pitcher be a home run.  Chipper added his own touch on his birthday, hitting his seventh bomb of the year in the second.  Francoeur knocked in McCann in the eighth with a sacrifice fly.  McCann had just tripled (with the most awkward slide in history into third) - had everyone laughing.  That’s right, McCann tripled - may be the only time in his career.

James pitched a good five innings of ball - he was solid, but not lights out.  Gave up four runs, struck out three, but walked five.  Campillo and Acosta each pitched two scoreless innings to finish the game out.  Great to see some solid relief out of the bullpen.  James got sent down to Richmond after the game in exchange for a fresh bullpen arm - we’ll find out who today.  Good to see the 7-4 win over the Marlins, who are at the top of the division.

Some great defense in center field yesterday for Gregor Blanco, who started in place of Mark Kotsay.  He had a great catch against the wall and made a second interesting catch going back towards the wall.  He’s fast - there were a couple he got to simply because of his speed.  He ran out a groundball at first base - and beat it out too.  Great to have him in the lineup.

It’s a good thing the offense was firing yesterday - we have to score runs as long as James and Bennett are starting - but can’t we get Smoltzie just a couple runs next time, fellas?

Tags: Chipper Jones, Chuck James, Florida Marlins
Posted in Game Analysis |