Medlen Walks The Walk, Braves Sweep The Indians

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Medlen was not very happy after being taken out of his last start earlier than he would have liked, and he let everyone know about it after the game. He thought that he should be able to work through his mistakes a bit more and not get such a quick hook when runners get on base. That night, Medlen talked the talk and on this night, he walked the walk. Medlen pitched 7 shutout innings, scattering 6 hits, striking out 6 and walking no one. In the 7th, Medlen allowed 2 runners to reach base with only 1 out. This time he was left out there to take care of the mess himself and promptly retired Asdrubal Cabrera and Mike Aviles to end the inning.

Brian McCann supplied all the offense the Braves would need in the 3rd inning. After Andrelton Simmons led off with a double, Medlen failed to bunt him over and Simmons was thrown out at third. Justin Upton later singled and McCann came up with 2 on and 2 outs in a scoreless game. He then launched a 1-1 slider deep into the right field seats to give the Braves a 3-0 lead.

Ubaldo Jimenez pitched really well for the most part other than the McCann homer. He went 7 innings, struck out 10 Braves and didn’t walk anyone. Jordan Schafer, one night after having a great game, went 0-4 with 4Ks. Ouch.

In the 9th, the Braves “Released the Kimbrel” on the Tribe. Kimbrel finished the sweep by pitching a perfect 9th inning to earn his 43rd save of the season.

Braves fans got a little scare in the 5th inning when Justin Upton was hit by a pitch on his left hand. He started toward first, but was then pulled out of the game. Thats just what the Braves need, a broken wrist/hand to go along with all of our other walking wounded. Fortunately it was reported that the x-rays were negative and Justin is considered day-to-day. Then again, aren’t we all?