ESPN.com – MLB – Box Score – Dodgers at Braves
Well, that was no fun. The Braves were limited to three hits and two walks over seven innings by Derek Lowe, struck out eight times, and ruined another good start from Tim Hudson before a too-little, too-late comeback.
The Braves actually led 1-0 after three, Willie Harris (pretty much the only guy who showed up tonight) scoring on a two-out error by Jeff Kent. But in the fourth, Hudson allowed three straight singles that wouldn’t have happened if Rafael Furcal weren’t wearing the wrong uniform. Furcal had the first of the singles and scored to tie the game; KJ botched a possible double play to get out of the inning — started by a genuinely nice play by Renteria, I’ll admit — allowing the Dodgers to take the lead.
The Braves then spent most of the next few innings looking like they wanted to get home, as Lowe mowed them down almost in order and with very little resistence. Wilson Betemit hit a pinch-hit homer off of Hudson to make it 3-1. The Braves got runners first and third, one out, off of a reliever in the eighth, but Chipper struck out and Andruw grounded out to third.
Then Kali, who had been pitching well, imploded in the ninth, allowing two hits and a walk; Colyer came in to allow two more hits to score Kali’s remaining baserunners, and Paronto had to finish the inning. Colyer is awful. This is another example of the foolishness of the win stat; Hudson pitched more than well enough to win, and it’s the bullpen that wound up costing the Braves any chance.
Particularly because with two out in the ninth the Braves bats woke up, but it wasn’t enough. They loaded the bases, forcing the Dodgers to go to their closer, then KJ singled home two to bring the tying run to the plate, but Renteria grounded out.
well that was less than good…what gives with the power drain on friday night home games?
Wow, 87 pitches by Hudson for eight innings…that’s Mad Dog efficiency…and a tough luck loser, which Maddux experienced so many times.
Gotta admit, Lowe pitched very well tonight.
However, Bobby, please stop using Woodward as a pinch hitter…please please please.
oh yeah…Paronto is awfully good in getting double plays.
I agree about Woodward. Why not bring in Diaz and give yourself a chance?
Lowe pitched a heck of a ballgame. Have to give credit where credit is due. He made Jeff Francouer look silly.
The Dodgers have a mosquito bite attack. Luiz Gonzales leads the team with 4 homers? Dang.
Well now I know why I thought it was strange that Chris Woodward was pinch hitting. Diaz was available. Typical Bobby though get a guy in that hasn’t played in an eon so that he can get some reps.
If Bobby wants to hold back Diaz, I would think Bobby would want to give Orr more at bats when circumstances allow, and I thought that 8th inning pinch hit at bat was the perfect Pete Orr moment.
Otherwise, what’s the use of Pete? To pinch run?!
Or is it an indication that Woodward is starting tomorrow in place of KJ, Edgar, or Chipper?
6-0 Mets after six. If Sosa had to figure out how to pitch again, why NOW?
Yeah, Mac. You nailed it yesterday when you said the only way the dodgers can beat you is if they single and double you to death. Well…the problem is…they are very good at doing just that.
Tough loss, but give credit where it is deserved. Lowe was brilliant.
Ugh… Mets brought up Sosa tonight, and he’s got a shutout going through 6.
Lowe was awesome. As was Huddy. Lots of late movement on his pitches tonight.
Might have to bust out the doghouse for Kali if this kind of outing becomes a habit again.
Sucks that we lost tonight, we’ll get them tomorrow though.
I watched the De La Hoya and Mayweather fight…It wasn’t great but it was good, Mayweather won by split decision to stay perfect and De La Hoya got his 5th loss, I believe. Floyd was amazingly accurate and fast and Oscar did looked great early but he definitely started tiring around the 9th round or so.
OT, but I’d be happy to see a good fight at this point. It’s so sad that boxing has turned into such a weak sport. I love the UFC, etc… but there is nothing like the sweet science.
About Woodward…he had a pretty good at-bat so I’m okay with using him then. Steve Colyer really is awful, Mac. That’s why AAAA pitchers typically stay in the minors. Can’t be much at this level when you have no control.