Braves Score Seven In Eighth Inning To Beat Diamondbacks

Jun 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) scores a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Diamondbacks 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like the Atlanta Braves hitters got tired of people criticizing them for not giving the starters any run support.

The team matched Arizona tick-for-tack early in the game, scoring twice in the third and twice in the fifth, before Arizona took a one run lead going into the bottom off the eighth inning. In response, the Braves jumped on the board in the second half of the inning, and scored seven runs to top the D-Backs 11-5.

After Chris Johnson popped out to start the inning, many people might have thought that it was about to be over for Atlanta, but Reed Johnson and Andrelton Simmons both came in the box and got pegged. Jason Heyward took advantage and doubled to left to drive in both of them (Simmons would come in after the third baseman bobbled the throw from the outfield).

Although that would be enough for the win, it wasn’t enough for the other Atlanta hitters. They scored five more runs as they made their way all the way around the lineup before Reed Johnson would ground out to end the inning. Justin Upton, Brian McCann, and Chris Johnson all singled, Freddie Freeman took a walk, Dan Uggla doubled, and BJ Upton drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Needless to say, that would be enough to hold off Arizona in the top of the ninth inning. David Carpenter would give up just one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to close out the game.

Speaking of pitching, it was a pretty “meh” day for Tim Hudson. He has been pitching well of late but only went 5.2 innings while allowing four runs off of three walks and five hits. He only struck out two. Also, if you still need some proof as to why win-loss records don’t matter check out who was tagged for the team’s win tonight: Jordan Walden.

Walden easily had the worst line of relievers (1 IP, 1R, 3H and 1K) and actually gave the lead to the D-Backs in the eighth before the hitters reclaimed it. However, because the team had the lead before Walden technically came out of the game, he was credited with the win. What a joke huh?

Regardless it was a good night for the team. With the win they take the series from Arizona and the hitters really had a good night. Jason Heyward went 2-4 with a walk, Justin Upton went 3-4 (yes!), Freddie Freeman went 1-3 with a homer and two walks, Brian McCann went 2-4 with a walk, and Chris Johnson even went 2-4 with a walk. Dan Uggla and BJ Upton also joined the march with a walk apiece.

The lineup finished the game with seven walks, seven strikeouts, and eleven hits. It’s very encouraging to see the team have such a good night after the offensive criticism has been building. Now all we need to do is keep that going and get Andrelton Simmons out of the lead off spot. Mark Bowman is a fan of Jason Heyward leading off….. what do you think about that?