Winning streak halted as Atlanta Braves fall to Arizona Diamondbacks
By Terry Jenks
The winning streak for the Atlanta Braves was halted at 9 games on Sunday afternoon, as Arizona defeated Atlanta, 3-1. Alex Wood was aiming for the series sweeping win, but he was given very little run support for his efforts. The Diamondbacks (37-53) received a great outing from starter Wade Miley, who was dominant against a previously hot Braves (49-39) lineup.
Wood went seven innings allowing only three hits, but one of those hits was a two-run bomb off the bat of Paul Goldschmidt. The two-out homer, which came in the third inning, was preceded by a leadoff walk to the opposing pitcher, and Wood walked three batters on the day.
Atlanta’s offense was sluggish throughout the game managing to score only one run while stranding eight runners. Miley was nearly flawless on the mound at Turner Field. The lefty tossed 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight hitters and allowing only six base runners.
The game was 2-1 in the 7th inning when B.J. Upton stranded two runners by striking out to end the frame. Just one inning later, the Braves had yet another opportunity to tie the game when Chris Johnson stepped to the plate with two outs and two on, but he too struck out.
For BJ Upton, the three-strikeout game put a dramatic halt to his career long 11-game hitting streak. The Braves batters will need to return to form before traveling to New York to face the Mets tomorrow. Atlanta will send Mike Minor (2-5) to the mound as he looks to get back on track by taking on Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-3) tomorrow night at Citi Field. Stay tuned for all the latest.