McCarroll21
04-05-2007, 07:34 PM
Braves Beat Phillies To Complete Sweep
By: Josh McCarroll (http://www.braves-nation.com/forums/member.php?u=1) | Braves-Nation.com
When Jimmy Rollins said the Phillies were the team to beat, was he implying that the Phillies were the favorites to win the division or just a team to actually beat inside the division?
The Braves used a combination of an explosive offensive explosion and solid pitching to down the Phillies for the third time in as many games, completing the sweep with an 8-4 victory.
Chuck James was nothing short of brilliant during his five innings of work. James allowed six hits, walked one and struck out five on his way to finishing his day only allowing one run. He mixed his fastball effectively with his slider and change up to keep hitters off balance for most of the day.
Adam Eaton, the Phillies starter, had a completely different day. Eaton struggled with his control all day, finally catching up to him in the fifth inning. He was helped out of jams for the first three innings by the impatient approach by some Braves hitters; the pitch count took its toll though.
With the Braves already leading 2-1 entering the fifth, James started the rally by working his way on base via the walk. Kelly Johnson followed suit with his first hit of 2007, a home run that sailed over the right field wall. After an Edgar Renteria ground out, Chipper Jones singled into left center field. Andruw Jones followed him with a double to the left center field gap, scoring Chipper. After an intentional walk to catcher Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur hit a single to right field that chased Andruw home to make the score 6-1. After a pitching change, Scott Thorman doubled down the right field line, scoring both McCann and Francoeur.
The Phillies added a run in the sixth inning and two in the ninth to set the final score. The run in the sixth inning came off Oscar Villarreal as Pat Burrell scored on an RBI ground out.
Macay McBride and Chad Paronto did their best to make the game exciting again in the ninth inning, combining to walk five batters and walking in two runs. Rafael Soriano was called on with two out in the ninth and the bases loaded to record the final out and earn the save.
The Braves will now head back to Atlanta to take on the New York Mets for their Home Opener. Both teams enter the series with a 3-0 record and sitting atop the NL East. Friday’s game will begin at 7:35 PM, featuring Mark Redman facing off against the Mets’ Oliver Perez in his Atlanta Brave debut. The marquee pitching matchup of the series will come Saturday when longtime teammates John Smoltz and Tom Glavine are scheduled to pitch for their respected teams. The series finale will be a 1:05 game that will pit right hander Kyle Davies against Orlando Hernandez.
By: Josh McCarroll (http://www.braves-nation.com/forums/member.php?u=1) | Braves-Nation.com
When Jimmy Rollins said the Phillies were the team to beat, was he implying that the Phillies were the favorites to win the division or just a team to actually beat inside the division?
The Braves used a combination of an explosive offensive explosion and solid pitching to down the Phillies for the third time in as many games, completing the sweep with an 8-4 victory.
Chuck James was nothing short of brilliant during his five innings of work. James allowed six hits, walked one and struck out five on his way to finishing his day only allowing one run. He mixed his fastball effectively with his slider and change up to keep hitters off balance for most of the day.
Adam Eaton, the Phillies starter, had a completely different day. Eaton struggled with his control all day, finally catching up to him in the fifth inning. He was helped out of jams for the first three innings by the impatient approach by some Braves hitters; the pitch count took its toll though.
With the Braves already leading 2-1 entering the fifth, James started the rally by working his way on base via the walk. Kelly Johnson followed suit with his first hit of 2007, a home run that sailed over the right field wall. After an Edgar Renteria ground out, Chipper Jones singled into left center field. Andruw Jones followed him with a double to the left center field gap, scoring Chipper. After an intentional walk to catcher Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur hit a single to right field that chased Andruw home to make the score 6-1. After a pitching change, Scott Thorman doubled down the right field line, scoring both McCann and Francoeur.
The Phillies added a run in the sixth inning and two in the ninth to set the final score. The run in the sixth inning came off Oscar Villarreal as Pat Burrell scored on an RBI ground out.
Macay McBride and Chad Paronto did their best to make the game exciting again in the ninth inning, combining to walk five batters and walking in two runs. Rafael Soriano was called on with two out in the ninth and the bases loaded to record the final out and earn the save.
The Braves will now head back to Atlanta to take on the New York Mets for their Home Opener. Both teams enter the series with a 3-0 record and sitting atop the NL East. Friday’s game will begin at 7:35 PM, featuring Mark Redman facing off against the Mets’ Oliver Perez in his Atlanta Brave debut. The marquee pitching matchup of the series will come Saturday when longtime teammates John Smoltz and Tom Glavine are scheduled to pitch for their respected teams. The series finale will be a 1:05 game that will pit right hander Kyle Davies against Orlando Hernandez.