Braves 7 Rangers 2
The game began with a WTF moment when the batting order was announced. Kelly Johnson, with his .0something batting average leading off, and Betemit's .400+ OBP in the 9 spot? What in the name of Omar Moreno was Cox thinking?
His faith was justified, though, as KJ came through with a single, double, and a game-changing 3-run HR to help power the Braves to an impressive victory over the Rangers. Johnson's BA is now all the way up to .132 -- watch out, Ichiro!
The other baby Braves contributed as well -- Marte had an RBI Baltimore chop and another fine defensive play, Langerhans scored after an HBP, and Betemit singled and scored.
Jorge Sosa, pressed into an emergency start, was nothing short of brilliant after allowing a 1st inning 2-run HR to Teixeira, mixing a 95 MPH heater with a hammer curve that was his out pitch for several of his 7 strikeouts. It must be said that he benefitted greatly from Jim Joyce's high strike zone, but Cox is probably breathing easier about starting him again this Sunday vs. the Reds.
And finally, Julio. During a 5th inning at bat, his bat slipped (again), and flew into the stands, hitting a young fan in the back of the neck. Julio was obviously concerned, as he looked back into the stands after each succeeding pitch. He proceeded to crush a home run to center field, and before going to the dugout, walked over to the stands to talk to the injured fan. The Ranger crowd gave him a standing ovation for his concern -- just more evidence that Julio is still the man. Who doesn't love Julio?
His faith was justified, though, as KJ came through with a single, double, and a game-changing 3-run HR to help power the Braves to an impressive victory over the Rangers. Johnson's BA is now all the way up to .132 -- watch out, Ichiro!
The other baby Braves contributed as well -- Marte had an RBI Baltimore chop and another fine defensive play, Langerhans scored after an HBP, and Betemit singled and scored.
Jorge Sosa, pressed into an emergency start, was nothing short of brilliant after allowing a 1st inning 2-run HR to Teixeira, mixing a 95 MPH heater with a hammer curve that was his out pitch for several of his 7 strikeouts. It must be said that he benefitted greatly from Jim Joyce's high strike zone, but Cox is probably breathing easier about starting him again this Sunday vs. the Reds.
And finally, Julio. During a 5th inning at bat, his bat slipped (again), and flew into the stands, hitting a young fan in the back of the neck. Julio was obviously concerned, as he looked back into the stands after each succeeding pitch. He proceeded to crush a home run to center field, and before going to the dugout, walked over to the stands to talk to the injured fan. The Ranger crowd gave him a standing ovation for his concern -- just more evidence that Julio is still the man. Who doesn't love Julio?
posted by Sam Bass | 11:08 PM
5 Comments:
Sosa's line:
IP H R ER BB SO HR
5.0 5 2 2 0 7 1
No walks. That's very good.
I missed the start of tonight's game (alas, already 1-5): do you know who the braves sent down to make room for brower?
thanks.
Not sure, but I imagine it will be either Boyer or Vasquez.
Thanks.
I wonder if they were getting ideas pitching them both in relief last night. Their performances didn't make the choice any easier, as Vasquez, although allowing a run, struck out four with no walks in 1.2 innings, and Boyer pitched a scoreless, hitless inning with one K.
Luke,
Well, the Hudson injury has rendered this moot. See most recent post.
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