A week ago, Spike identified the Braves’ effort in a 4-0 loss to the Cubs as “one of the most cap tippingest performances of all time.” I humbly submit last night’s snoozer as even cap tippinger.

Shelby Miller pitched heroically again, as usual, and as usual he came away with nothing to show for it, not even a lousy copy of the home game. He allowed just two hits and two walks. Unfortunately, one of each came in the eighth inning. Fredi yanked Miller with a pitch count of 102 and men on first and third and one out. It was a more or less reasonable decision. So was bringing in Avilan — after the trade of Jim Johnson, he has arguably been our most consistent non-Grilli reliever all year, and Grilli isn’t exactly used to coming in with bases occupied.

One sacrifice fly later, though, the Cardinals had all the margin they’d need, and the Braves went meekly down to the relief tandem of Seth Maness and Randy Choate.

Shelby Miller and Carlos Martinez have been two of the best pitchers in the National League all year, so you expect a low-scoring game. Still, you don’t expect the Braves to lose 1-0 when they outhit their opponents 7-2. But the Braves grounded into four double plays in this game, and that was all St. Louis needed. Tough loss, Shelby.