Ervin Santana dominates as Atlanta Braves down San Diego Padres

The Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres, 2-0, on a getaway Monday in Atlanta thanks to a dominant pitching performance from starting pitcherErvin Santana. The win clinched the series for Atlanta (58-48) as they prepare to head west for a crucial left-coast swing beginning Tuesday night in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

Santana (10-6) was masterful on the mound, going 8 innings while tying a career high with 11 strikeouts. “Big Erv” held San Diego (46-59) to just five hits for the ballgame. The Braves right-hander threw 102 pitches on the afternoon with 77 of those crossing the plate for strikes.

The game was scoreless untilEvan Gattisled off the 7^thinning with a solo home run to left field off of Padres starterJason Lane(0-1). For Gattis, the home run was his first since returning from the DL after the all-star break. The Braves catcher tacked on another RBI in the 9^thwhen he drove inJustin Uptonwith a base hit to right.Craig Kimbrelclosed the door for the 32^ndtime this season while striking out the side in the 9^th.

Atlanta’s offense was silenced for the first six innings by converted outfielder and first time starter Jason Lane. Lane went 6+ innings while allowing just one run on six hits. Lane was replaced in the 7^thafter aChris Johnsonsingle followed the Gattis long ball.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Braves game without a highlight play from shortstopAndrelton Simmons. Simmons made a barehanded play up the middle on a ball hit byWill Venablethat looked like something off of a videogame. It was magical by ordinary shortstop standards, but simply another day at the office for Simmons.

The Braves will begin a series with the Dodgers on Tuesday night asAaron Harang(9-6, 3.31) looks to become the third ten-win pitcher for Atlanta when he takes onJosh Beckett(6-5, 2.52).

Injury Note:Jason Heywardwas replaced byRyan Doumitin the 4^thdue to “lower back soreness.” He is day-to-day for now. Stay tuned to ATL All Day for updates on the Braves right fielder.

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