Teheran, Simmons Lead Braves Past Cardinals

Jul 27, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (49) throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Andrelton Simmons broke a scoreless tie in the eighth inning with a bases loaded double and Julio Teheran was masterful on the mound as the Atlanta Braves beat the St.Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.

The game was a pitchers duel between Teheran and Joe Kelly of the Cardinals. Kelly did allow seven hits and walked three, but was able to escape a couple jams. He got help in the seventh inning when the Braves loaded the bases with one out, and Kelly as taken down in favor of Seth Maness. On the first pitch Maness threw, he was able to get Justin Upton to hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Teheran on the other hand, had little trouble today, as he pitched seven innings, allowing  just two hits and issuing a lone walk before being pinch-hit for in the seventh inning.

The Braves would again load the bases in the eighth inning, this time with two outs. Simmons, who been 0-2 with runners in scoring position so far in the game, came through with a double to left center, plating Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann.

Craig Kimbrel would finish off the game in the ninth collecting his 30th save. Luis Avilan picked up the win, as he pitched a perfect eighth inning.

The Braves will go for the sweep tomorrow night on ESPN at 8:00 ET, as Kris Medlen (6-10, 3.78 ERA) goes up against Shelby Miller (10-6, 2.77 ERA)