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More extra innings, this time successfully. The Braves loaded the bases in the tenth and Johnny Estrada drove home Eli Marrero with a game-winning sacrifice fly.

Marcus Giles really did pinch-hit (Nick Green started) only to bunt in the eighth. I’m guessing that he was bunting again in the tenth (one on, none out) when he was walked. Furcal did bunt after that, but reached. I am not a fan of bunting with your best hitters, as you might guess.

Russ Ortiz had a good start but gets a no decision. He allowed one run (Tike Redman, again, scored it) in the third, six hits, four walks, and struck out five in eight innings. Why he couldn’t have stayed in to pinch-hit, I don’t know. Smoltz loaded the bases in the ninth but got out of it when they actually did turn the double play for once. Reitsma pitched the tenth to get the win.

With Estrada and Giles both taking the game off (to begin with) and Thomas suddenly looking human, the Braves’ offense is scuffling again. The Braves had only six hits and two walks. LaRoche was the only one to have two hits.

The Phillies lost after a desperate effort by the Marlins’ middle relief to blow a 10-3 lead. The Mets also lost. The division standings:

ATL 50 45 —
PHL 50 45 —
FLA 48 47 2
NYM 47 48 3
MTL 34 61 16

The Braves and Phillies are 2 1/2 behind the Giants and Padres for the wildcard lead, one behind the Cubs. The NL remains basically the Cardinals followed by a bunch of teams all in the hunt (though the Dodgers have gained a little separation) then three really awful clubs.