Braves Stop Skid With 6-5 Walk-off Win Over Giants

June 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder

(2) rounds the bases after a home run in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Through the entire game, it seemed like the Braves woes were going to continue, and their four game losing streak was going to continue. Going into the ninth inning, Atlanta was down a run. In a game where Mike Minor let up five runs (four earned) it seemed like a great time for the Giants to take advantage and grab a win against the staff ace.

Add the fact that San Francisco closer Sergio Romo had only blow two saves this season, and it was a pretty safe bet that the Giants would come away with their second win in as many days against the Bravos.

Justin Upton took a pitch just inside in the ninth inning with the bases loaded to tie the game, and Freddie Freeman hit a single that would drive in the winning run and cap the two-run ninth, and the comeback.

Despite a disappointing night for Mike Minor, there is a lot to be happy about. First and foremost, the Braves won. Secondly, “struggling” BJ Upton managed to go 2-4 with two home runs (his seventh and eighth of the year). Jason Heyward had another multi-hit game, going 2-4 with a walk, and the bullpen was excellent again, as well.

For Minor, we can’t really criticize him too much. He’s been lights out pretty much the entire season and we shouldn’t expect him to perform like that every night. No pitcher in the majors does–or has. Hopefully, he can realize this as well and bounce right back in his next start.

Hopefully, BJ Upton can continue to hit well, and move up into the leadoff spot in the lineup. As good as Andrelton Simmons is defensively, he’s been pretty mediocre with the bat–which is fine. Additionally, he’s not a great base runner and can’t take a walk. Even though BJ likes to hack at the first pitch a bit, he can take walks and run the bases well.

It’s also worth noting that Evan Gattis produced in the clutch again, and in a shocking way. With one out in the ninth Gattis managed to take a five pitch walk to get the rally started. He didn’t have the big swing like he seems to do so much, but it proved to change the game none the less.

I’m really excited to watch “El Oso Blanco: The Story of Evan Gattis” when it comes to a theater near me.