Postgame: Phillies 5 – Braves 0 [BEAST-OFF]

Cole Hamels is a monster.  9 innings, 4 hits, 6 strikeouts, 3 walks, no runs.  He had 120 pitches, with 85 of them being strikes.  This was Hamels’ fifth win of the season, and his first career complete game shutout.  Finally, Hamels pitches a game this season without having that one tough inning, especially early.

Hamels got run support too, which can sometimes be tough for him as the team seems to relax when he’s on the mound.  Pedro Feliz, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino all homered.  Howard is back.  There, I’ve said it.  I almost think he likes having to prove everybody wrong year after year.  All the homers came off of Braves pitcher Chuck James.  Pedro Feliz added another RBI in the third, scoring Pat Burrell on a single to left.

In a way, this was a statement win for the Phils.  Hamels went the distance, dominating batters throughout;  Ryan Howard continued his mini-hot streak; and the team took two of three from a division rival.  That can never be underestimated.  And on the same day, the Mets lost a tough 1-0 game to the Nats, losing three of four to Leasts of the East.  The Mets are reeling.  Now if only the Marlins would start to mail it in….

Around the Beast

Here are last night’s wrap-ups from the Phillies, Braves, and Marlins.

Braves 8-Phillies 6

Tom Glavine picked up his first Braves victory since 2002 as the Braves rolled over Brett Myers. The opening-day starter drops to 2-5 after surrendering home runs to Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar in the first, just a couple of the 6 earned runs he would give up on the night (4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO, 3 HR, 75 P). For the Braves, Kelly Johnson added a home run, Gregor Blanco drove in two runs, and Brian McCann added another.

The Braves bullpen could barely contain the Philadelphia offense, allowing two earned runs in the last two innings, including a 2-out Ryan Howard home run in the 8th. Chase Utley also homered for the Phillies (2 runs in the 6th off of Glavine), Jimmy Rollins drove in two runs on the night and Shane Victorino drove in one. The bright spot for the Phillies was their bullpen, with Ryan Madson, Clay Condrey and Rudy Seanez combining for 4.2 scoreless innings in relief of Myers.

Reds 7-Marlins 6 (F/10)

Rookie shortstop Paul Janish hit a walk-off single in his Major League debut as the Reds defeated the Marlins in the 10th inning. That came after Cody Ross tied the game on a three-run longball off of Reds closer Francisco Cordero in the ninth. Cordero’s first blown save of the year was an ugly one–the Marlins scored all six of their runs in the top of the ninth. Reds pitcher Mike Lincoln was charged with four runs, Cordero with two. This after Bronson Arroyo shut the Marlins down, going 7 full innings allowing no runs on 5 hits, striking out 5 and walking 3 on 111 pitches.

The Marlins were plagued by ineffective pitching all night, first from starter Ricky Nolasco (4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO, 97 P), then from relievers Logan Kensing, Justin Miller, and Renyel Pinto. NL Beast has said it over and over again, the Marlins are only as good as their pitching.

Ross, Luis Gonzalez and Matt Treanor drove in runs for the Marlins. Adam Dunn homered and Jerry Hairston Jr., Ken Griffey Jr., Brandon Phillips, Edwin Encarnacion and Janish plated runs for the Reds.

Postgame: Phillies 5-Braves 4 [BEAST-OFF]

The Phillies fell behind 3-0 to the Braves in the first inning after RBI hits by Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur.  But Kyle Kendrick quickly calmed down after the first inning.  He ended up going the next five innings without allowing a run.  That gave him his third 6 inning, 3 earned run outing in a row.  From a guy fifth in the rotation, the Phillies should be happy that he gives them a chance to win.

Offensively, the Phillies came to play tonight.  Facing Jo-Jo Reyes, the Phillies started their attack in the 4th, when Jason Werth singled to center, driving in Chase Utley and big-man Ryan Howard.  Howard, who was part of the action all night long, notched an RBI of his own in the fifth, knocking in Shane Victorino.  Later in the inning, Werth continued his barrage, hitting in Howard.  And, in the 7th, Werth would grab yet another RBI to give the Phillies their fifth run.  Werth ended the night with 4 RBIs.

In the 9th, things got a little bit shaky as Brad Lidge faced adversity for one of the only times this season.  With one out, Mark Kotsay walked and then advanced to 2nd base after fielder interference.  At this point, Chipper Jones, who already had 3 hits on the night, hit a bomb just short of the fence in left.  Eric Bruntlett, who pinch-ran for Burrell in the 7th, caught the ball right in front of the wall, saving Phillies fans and Brad Lidge a lot of grief.  But the fight wasn’t over from the Braves.  Brian McCann came up next and doubled, driving in Kotsay and making it a 1 run game.  It should be noted that Jason Werth misplayed the ball, first breaking in and then running backwards as the ball flew well over his head.  He probably should have made the play.

Lidge was having trouble finding the plate at this point and walked Greg Norton, bringing up Francoeur, who was 0-4 lifetime against Lidge.  Falling behind quickly in the count, Francoeur finally lifted a ball between Werth and right fielder Shane Victorino.  Victorino called Werth off at the last second and caught the ball to end the game.  Not a moment too soon for Lidge, who let up his first earned run of the year in 18 innings of work.

The Phillies started their homestand with a thorough game all around, while the Braves continue to struggle on the road.  They are now 5-15 away from Turner Field.  Also, the Phillies have to be outright elated that Ryan Howard finally looks to be coming out of his slump.  He was 2-4 with a long double to center field and now has an RBI in each of his last three games, as well as in 4 out of his last 5 games.  He’s upped his average to .181 for the season.

-Greg Berlin

Beastoff: Phillies vs. Braves – 5/13, 7:05 pm EDT

The Game: Philadelphia Phillies (21-18) vs. Atlanta Braves (19-18)

The Matchup: Kyle Kendrick (2-2, 4.93, 18/12 K/BB, 1.59 WHIP) vs. Jo-Jo Reyes (1-0, 2.25, 6/5 K/BB, 1.75 WHIP)

The Story: The Braves own the league’s worst road record at 5-14. They are coming off losing 3 of 4 in Pittsburgh and they are struggling to get out of 4th place in the division. Hit with injuries to several key players, the Braves are still one game above .500. One of those injuries was to first baseman Mark Texiera, who left yesterday’s game 1 against the Pirates in the 4th inning with back spasms. He did not play in game 2 and no word if he’s in the lineup for today.

The Phillies are also looking to right the ship. After a solid start to May, the Phillies went 3-4 on a somewhat disappointing road trip. Despite splitting 4 games with the NL leading Diamondbacks, they lost 2 of 3 to the Giants after a surprise homer given up by JC Romero to Steve Holm in Sunday’s 4-3 loss.

Kyle Kendrick is coming off of two 6 inning, 3 earned run starts. He earned a no decision in both of those games. In his start previous to those games he went 7 innings. However, he has let up 10, 8, and 7 hits respectively in is last three games. On the bright side, Kendrick has only given up 2 walks in his last 4 starts. Kendrick has gotten generous run support, with the Phillies scoring at least 5 runs in all by one of his starts. Perhaps that is masking Kendrick’s numbers. He has not looked particularly strong in any consistent stretch this season.

Stat of the Day: The Phillies have the 4th worse fielding percentage in baseball at .978. They have 33 errors in 39 games. The Rangers lead the league in errors, with 38 misplays in 40 games.

Lineups:
Phillies
Rollins (SS)
Victorino (RF)
Utley (2B)
Howard (1B)
Burrell (LF)
Werth (CF)
Feliz (3B)
Ruiz (C)
Kendrick (P)

Braves
Escobar (SS)
Kotsay (CF)
Jones (3B)
McCann (C)
Norton (1B)
Francoeur (RF)
Johnson (2B)
Blanco (LF)
Reyes (P)

-Greg Berlin

Around the beast

Marlins rally not enough against Reds

Despite three early homers by Jeremy Hermida, Hanley Ramirez, and Dan Uggla, the Marlins were not able to hold a lead against the Reds.  The Reds scored a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 4-3 lead, but Uggla tied it up with a sac-fly in the 7th.  In the top bottom of the 7th Taylor Tankersley gave up two 2-run home runs to Jeff Keppinger and Brandon Phillips.

In the top of the 8th the Marlins gave their best effort to tie the game, rallying with two outs.  Luis Gonzalez scored two on a single to center and Mike Rabelo knocked in another after an error by Ken Griffey Jr. But that would be all for the Marlins, who left two on base to end the inning.  Francisco Cordero notched his sixth save of the season, securing the Aaron Harang‘s first win since April 10th.  Tankersley picked up the loss, breaking a 7 game winning streak for the first place Marlins.

Final score: Reds 8-Marlins 7

Braves split double header against Pirates in two lopsided affairs

In game 1, the Pirates shutout the Braves, needing only a Freddy Sanchez bases clearing double in the 3rd to get the job done.  Despite 5 walks and 3 fielding errors, Zach Duke let up no runs and only 5 hits in six innings of work to get his second win of the year.  Jair Jurrjens only lasted five innings and recorded his third loss of the year.  Adam LaRoche knocked a ball out of the park in the 8th inning against Jeff Bennet, icing the win.  It was the sixth in a row for the the streakingPirates.

Final Score: Pirates 5-Braves 0

The Pirates would not have as much luck in game 2.  Tim Hudson pitched a gem, going 7 innings, allowing no earned runs, only 2 hits, two walks and striking out 5.  The only runs the Pirates managed all day was on an error in the first inning Braves first baseman Greg Norton. The Braves shook off their offensive struggles from game 1 and crossed the plate 8 times in the win.  Steady hitting throughout the lineup helped the Braves break a three game losing streak; a streak that came right after winning 6 in a row at home.

Final Score: Braves 8-Pirates 1

-Greg Berlin

Teixiera injured

Braves 1B Mark Teixiera had to leave today’s game against the Pirates in the fourth inning with back spasms. He joins Chipper Jones and Kelly Johnson as Braves who have missed time with back spasms so far this season.

How ’bout those standings

It’s May 12, and the Florida Marlins are in first place.

That’s right, for the second week in a row, the team that just unloaded its sensational third baseman and its pitching ace is atop a division that includes the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.

A fluke? Not at all.

This is just one of the surprising storylines that has made this start to the 2008 season one of the more interesting that I can remember. Here are the storylines, one per team, that are making baseball fans scratch their heads right now:

Braves Beast (and least) of the Week

And for the second week in a row, the Braves Beast of the Week is 3B Chipper Jones. Chipper was great again this week, hitting .304 with 7 RBIs and 2 long balls for a team-leading OPS of 1.060. You can’t say anything bad about this guy–he just does everything right.

Runners-Up: Mark Kotsay, Brian McCann, Jair Jurrjens

The Braves’ least of the week is RF Jeff Francoeur. Jeff didn’t hit well this week, going just 3-22 (.136, .296, .182), walking 4 times and striking out 7. He still did manage to drive in 2 runs, amazingly, and remains a threat in the bottom of the Atlanta lineup despite the bad stretch.

Runners-Up: Jo-Jo Reyes, Tom Glavine

Braves hurlers recovering

Braves injury update, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

John Smoltz – Planning on going straight to the pen upon his return, the right-hander still has yet to do any light throwing. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Bobby Cox doesn’t know whether or not he will begin tossing a ball this weekend.

Rafael Soriano – Soriano is closer to getting back. He had a catch yesterday and could throw a bullpen session this weekend.

Mike Gonzalez – He’s throwing in extended spring training and could be back by the end of May. According to the AJC, Gozalez “needed just nine pitches (eight strikes) to record three outs…The lefty’s fastball was clocked at 90 mph, and Braves officials reported he ‘felt good.’ His next outing is tentatively scheduled for Monday in Florida.”

Around the Beast

Marlins 7-Nationals 3 [BEAST-OFF]

Tim Redding never had it for the Nationals, going only 5.1 and giving up 6 runs, 5 earned, walking 4 and striking out 3. He got the loss on the night, and now stands at 4-3 on the year. Luis Gonzalez drove in three runs on the night and Jorge Cantu drove in two. Hanley Ramirez notched his 21st RBI of the year. For the Marlins, Ricky Nolasco was very good, getting the win and surrendering just one run on 4 hits in 6 innings of work, striking out 6 and walking 2. The reliable Doug Waechter was not so good in relief, surrendering two earned runs in two-thirds of an inning of work. But the rest of the fish pen held up. For the Nationals, Wily Mo Peña, Cristian Guzman, and Nick Johnson drove in runs. Ryan Zimmerman went 0-4 with a walk. Elijah Dukes returned to the Nationals, going 0-2 on the night.

Pirates 3-Braves 2

Tom Glavine is still winless after 6 starts, pitching well (7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO), but getting no run support. Glavine got the no-decision after Freddy Sanchez hit a walk-off single in the ninth off of Jeff Bennett to snap the Braves’ perfect May. Ian Snell pitched well for the Bucs, going 7 full, giving up 1 run on 2 hits, walking 6 and striking out 5. John Grabow picked up his second year of the year for the Pirates. Jeff Francoeur represented the entirety of the Braves’ offense, driving in both runs, one off of Snell and one off of Tyler Yates, who blew the save for Pittsburgh.

Braves and Marlins Wrapup – 5/8

Braves 5 – Padres 4

The Braves hot, hot, hot! They finished off a perfect homestand (6-0) with a late rally against the Padres. The Braves were down 4-1 going into the 6th when a pinch hit single from Greg Norton drove in Mark Kotsay and Matt Diaz. In the 7th, Yunel Escobar scored on a wild pitch by Heath Bell, tying the game at 4-4. Come the 9th, the braves loaded the bases on two singles, a ground out, and an intentional walk. Diaz finished things off with a single to left field, scoring Escobar for the win.

Marlins 7 – Brewers 2

The Marlins are just hot, hot! Before a rousing crowd of 12,321, the Fish pounded the Brewcrew with two homers, a two-run shot by Jorge Cantu in first and a three-run shot by Matt Treanor in the 5th. Cantu deserves notice. He’s having a respectable year at third, hitting .280 with 5 HR, 14 RBI and an .813 OPS.

The Marlins have won four in a row and have sole possession of first place with the Phillies loss and their win.

Moylan to miss rest of season

It’s official now, Braves RHP Peter Moylan will miss the rest of the year after Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama performed ligament-replacement surgery on his elbow yesterday. Needless to say, this is a big blow to the Atlanta bullpen.

Injury Notes: Pagan, Lo Duca, Pena

Lots of injury news going around today in The Beast:

• Nationals Journal reporting that Paul Lo Duca “fractured the fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand” while swinging at a Roy Oswalt pitch last night. He’ll go to the DL and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks. No word yet on any roster move. 
• Adam Rubin reports that Angel Pagan has been diagnosed with a bruised shoulder after yesterday’s foul ball catch into the stands. He’s listed as day-to-day.
• According to ESPN, the Braves today placed C Brayan Pena on the DL with a sprained back. Atlanta activates IF Omar Infante, an offseason acquisition from the Cubs who starts today at second base.

Maybe letting Andruw go was the right decision

As of today, according to Talking Chop:

Andruw Jones: 18-106, 15 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 16 BB, 36 K, 0 SB, .170 BA, .279 OBP, .264 SLG

Mark Kotsay: 34-110, 15 R, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 10 BB, 12 K, 1 SB, .309 BA, .367 OBP, .473 SLG

Division Roundup [South of the Mason-Dixon Line Edition]

Almost everyone in the division won tonight (thanks for spoiling the party, Washington).

Braves 5-Padres 2

Tim Hudson had another good start, going 7 full innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. He was helped by an all-around offensive effort, including the go-ahead RBI single by newly acquired Greg Norton. Also driving in runs for the Braves were Mark Kotsay, Kelly Johnson, and Yunel Escobar. Manny Acosta shut the door for Atlanta, saving his third of the year.

Marlins 6-Brewers 2

The Marlins keep surprising, well, everyone with their starting pitching. Rookie Burke Badenhop had a strong outing, going 5.2 and surrendering just 2 runs on 5 hits, walking 1 and striking out 7. His team backed the effort well, with Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla each going yard. Mike Jacobs‘ two-run double in the third started the Marlins rally, but Jacobs soon had to leave the game with tightness in his quad. Milwaukee sluggers Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder combined to go 1-8 on the night.

Astros 4-Nationals 3

The Nationals dropped their second straight in Houston, despite a coming-out party by Ryan Zimmerman. The Z-Man homered twice, in the first and in the sixth, driving in 3 RBIs on the night. Odalis Perez didn’t pitch badly (5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO) but he was simply outmatched by Houston ace Roy Oswalt (7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 9 SO). Outside of the Nationals first three batters, the team combined for one hit on the night (Wily Mo Peña). Paul Lo Duca left the game after re-injuring his right hand (see previous post). Joel Hanrahan took the loss for Washington.

No major damage to Soriano

Good news for the Braves as closer Rafael Soriano can resume his rehabilitation after an MRI came up negative. Results on Peter Moylan are expected tomorrow.

Will the Mets sign Teixiera?

According to SI’s Jon Heyman, the Mets are the second-most likely destination for Mark Teixiera (who becomes a free agent after this season), after the Yankees.

I’ve long been a proponent of the Mets signing Mark. But competing with the Yankees…how could the Mets ever beat out the Bombers for a star player?

-Jonathan Kraft

Braves and Marlins recaps

Braves 5 – Padres 3

Jair Jurrjens has established himself as The Man in the Braves rotation, and he continued his dominance last night. Jurrjens went 6 strong innings last night, striking out eight, walking one, and giving up just one run on seven hits. He is now 4-2 on the year. Padres starter Chris Young couldn’t keep the ball in the park, giving up home runs to the Braves two hottest hitters, Chipper Jones (10 HR, 29 RBI) and Mark Kotsay (3 HR, 14 RBI). The Braves had three pitchers close out the game, pulling Manny Acosta after giving up two hits in favor of a combination of Royce Ring and Jeff Bennett (who picked up the save).

——-

Marlins 3-Brewers 0

The Marlins continue to win on starting pitching that has far exceeded expectations, this time on the back of Scott Olsen. Olsen was masterful, limiting Milwaukee to 2 hits over 8.2 before turning the ball over to Kevin Gregg for the final out and his sixth save of the year. Olsen’s line on the night: 8.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 SO. Keep in mind this is a Brewers lineup that includes players like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Mike Jacobs hit his ninth HR of the year off of Jeff Suppan.

Setback for Braves’ Soriano

According to MLB.com, Braves closer Rafael Soriano will undergo an MRI after experiencing a setback during a bullpen session. The same article says that Peter Moylan will likely need Tommy John surgery. Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama said that there’s a five percent chance Moylan doesn’t need to undergo Tommy John, which would obviously be great news for the Braves.

But since that’s not likely, it’s time for Frank Wren to start looking for relievers on the market.

Moylan’s season likely over

According to the AJC, Braves reliever Peter Moylan has been placed on the 60-day DL and is expected to have season-ending elbow surgery. Not unexpected, but a big blow for the Braves, as the second-year Moylan had been their most consistent guy in the bullpen until injuring his elbow April 11.