ESPN – Rockies vs. Braves Box Score, August 4 2007 – MLB

Relievers we have faith in: Moylan, Wickman (home only), possibly Villarreal.

Octavio Dotel fell off that list tonight when he issued a Devine (my new term for a reliever who is charged with all four runs when he gives up a grand slam, though in this case only three were earned) in the eighth. I know, it’s sudden, but turning 6-0 to 6-4 upsets me.

The Braves led from the get-go, Harris tripling and KJ bringing him home with a single. They got another run in the second on a Diaz homer; the Rockies hit Diaz in his next two plate appearances, but no retaliation. Frankly, you have to knock someone down after that, or they’ll just keep pitching you inside. On the other hand, Diaz scored both times after being hit, which is why you don’t throw at people willy-nilly.

Willie hit a bases-loaded grounder to deep first to score a run in the fourth, then Hudson delivered two runs with a two-out bases-loaded single in the fifth, which Harris followed with a single to make it 6-0. Hudson cruised through six, had a little trouble in the seventh, but got out of it with a double play, and finished with 100 pitches thrown exactly. He struck out seven, allowed six hits and walked but two.

After Dotel’s meltdown, Bobby went to Soriano, who is still having trouble finishing off hitters, but got a 3-2 popup to just stay fair for McCann and got the next man to ground out. Wickman came in and struck out the first man, then hit the next guy (I thought he could have done more to get out of the way). Wickman struck out the third batter, then got the last to ground out.

Andruw apparently can’t swing the bat very well right now due to shoulder elbow issues, but came on for defense in the ninth. Chipper decided to play tribute with a terrible night, 0-5 with three strikeouts. Teixeira was hitless too, but walked once. KJ had a big night, 2-3 with two walks.