Atlanta Braves Hit 14 Singles, Beat Padres 4-1

The Atlanta Braves had 14 hits tonight, all singles, and end up defeating the San Diego Padres 4-1.  AJ Pierzynski and Kelly Johnson, making his return from the Disabled List, led the way for the Braves offensively with three singles apiece.  Cameron Maybin and Nick Markakis both had two singles tonight as well.  Of all Braves starters, only Freddie Freeman and Chris Johnson went hitless Wednesday night.

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Williams Perez had a very strong start for the Braves, earning his first career home victory.  Perez went seven innings, allowing four hits and one unearned run.  His control was great tonight as he only walked two batters, while striking out five.  61 of his 98 pitches this evening went for strikes.  Just a great pitching performance all around for Williams Perez.

Brandon Cunniff and Jim Johnson combined to pitch two scoreless innings in relief of Perez.  Johnson got his third save of the season and Cunniff earned his fifth hold.  The bullpen allowed only one base runner tonight, an infield single off the bat of Cory Spangenberg to Andrelton Simmons.  Simmons just didn’t get a good grip on that grounder and Spangenberg can absolutely fly down the line for the Padres.  So believe or not, the Atlanta Braves bullpen has not collapsed in either of the last two ball games.  David Aardsma is a good luck charm?

One other part of the game I need to mention was how perfect Todd Cunningham’s pinch hit bunt single was.  That thing hugged the third base line at an agonizingly slow pace before it lay fair about 3/4 of the way down the line.  Though I came away pleased with the result, why didn’t a Padre grab the bunted ball and make a throw to first?  I really feel that single of any of the fourteen epitomized what type of game it was for both sides.  Atlanta just singled San Diego to a pulp tonight and it made small ball look incredibly fun.

The Braves move within a game of .500.  Should the team win tomorrow’s matinée, Atlanta’s record will stand at 30-30.  Tonight was a very enjoyable game to watch.  We didn’t need extra base hits as it was entertaining from start to finish for Braves fans.  Come on, boys!  Let’s get to .500!  Go Braves!