This game was sort of like three games in one. There was the first game, where Derek Lowe had decent stuff, got some defensive help, and got staked to an early lead thanks to the 3-run homerun by Brian McCann in the first inning. Yes, Lowe, had some trouble in the second, but he looked confident on the mound and looked he might settle in and have a good day.
The first game ended with another fourth inning fail by Lowe, as he allowed three runs and gave up the lead. The second game started with fantastic work from Kris Medlen, who is increasing his value with every outing for Atlanta. Peter Moylan also contributed in that second game, and the good work by the pen allowed the Braves to claw back and tie the game at 5 thanks to a Matt Diaz hustle triple, and a Reid Gorecki sac fly.
The third game was all about the bottom of the eighth inning -- that thing lasted forever. It seemed like every count went 3-and-2, and the Marlins used 3 pitchers. Coming through in the clutch once again was Brian McCann with a 2-run single in that eighth inning. Rafael Soriano closed out that third game and the real game, and looked good doing it -- popping that fastball in there and fooling hitters with the off-speed stuff.
Matt Diaz had a big day with 4 hits. He's on one of those stretches where no one can get him out. Brian McCann also had a big day, tying a career-high with 5 RBI, to go with 3 hits. Another great win for Atlanta after the tough loss on Friday. They bounced back and won the series and that is huge at this point.
In non-Braves game related news, our old pal Jeff Francoeur grounded into an unassisted triple play to end the game in New York -- yikes. It was only the 15th unassisted triple play in baseball history.