Atlanta Braves: Mike Minor remains stellar as Braves take 2 of 3 in Cincinnati

April 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Minor (36) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

I told you there was no need to worry.

Last night left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths but one day later there is a lot to be excited about in Braves country. Dan Uggla hit two solo homers during the game and looks to be out of his early slump. Over the past six games Uggla is 9-24 with three homers and two triples, getting a hit in each of the games. Juan Francisco also homered in the game, an eighth inning grand slam off of J.J. Hoover. Irony Alert! Hoover was actually the player the Braves traded to acquire Francisco a year ago.

It’s also nice to see the offensive contributions that Andrelton Simmons and Jordan Schafer are providing. Schafer led off and played center field today and went 3-5 including a triple. Simmons hit in the two-hole and went 4-5 with a double. On the year Schafer is hitting .310/.453/.452 with 13 hits in 54 plate appearances. Simmons is sitting at .276/.323/.431 with 32 hits in 127 plate appearances.

The real story today however was Mike Minor. He has continued to improve as a starting pitcher in every one of his outings, and threw a season high 117 pitches (74 strikes). Minor went seven innings and allowed just four hits and one run, while striking out seven and walking three. He ran into a “bit” of trouble in the second inning where he loaded the bases immediately on two walks and a hit before Evan Gattis surprised us all–yet again–but catching a fly ball and then throwing the runner out at home.

So, the Braves manage to win two of three in Cincy which is a great. The Reds have a solid team, and the Bravos keep proving that they are among the best in the league. Stay tuned for the series recap.