The Braves scored a big win against the Phillies on Tuesday night, breaking Philadelphia's 9-game winning streak at Turner Field thanks to the late inning heroics by Martin Prado. After Mike Gonzalez had given up the lead on two solo homeruns in the eighth inning, Prado came through with a double to drive in the tying run. Then in extra innings, Prado came through again with runners on second and third by lacing a single over the drawn in outfield for the walk-off win.
Derek Lowe started a bit shakey and battled inconsistency all night, but he kept working through his troubles, and got some help from his defense, and held the Phillies to just two runs through six innings. The bullpen, except for Gonzalez, responded brilliantly, keeping the Braves close and allowing them to come back -- something they've been having trouble doing lately.
The middle of the order struggled for Atlanta, with just two hits combined from Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, and Garret Anderson, but it was the top of the order that did the damage as Gregor Blanco had three hits , including a triple, and Martin Prado had the first four-hit game of his career. It was great to see Prado come through in those tough situations -- he fits perfectly as the number-2 hitter for Atlanta. It's going to be tough to get him out of the lineup. Kelly Johnson may be relegated to backup duties for the foreseeable future.
Nate McLouth and Yunel Escobar were both once again out of the lineup because of injuries. Bobby Cox gave McLouth an extra day to rest his hamstring, and Escobar may need more than a day to be at a point where his hip is no longer a problem.