The TBS pregame "experts" were gracious in their comments regarding the recently deceased, I mean benched, Brooks Conrad. The entire tri-state area has talked this subject into the ground. Cox opted for the veteran Glaus over the rookie Diory, who only had nine 2010 at bats. The slumping Heyward was moved down to 6th in the order, the lowest he's hit since he went on the DL in June. I'm glad to see the more dependable Diaz and Ankiel in the outfield, and hope the Giants don't test Glaus with bunts. Hopefully this lineup shakeup will prove benefial.
No spellcheck on the note thing, so hang on.
FIRST: Lowe sets them down in order in the top of the first. Two nice plays by Gonzo. The TBS guys noted Lowe's above average record pitching on three day's rest, and were impressed how he grabbed the mike last night and told the nation that he "wanted the ball." Sounds good to me...I haven't seen Derek this pumped his entire stay in Atlanta.
Same in the bottom half: three flyouts to center. Nice catch on Diaz's shot.
SECOND: Then Lowe sets down three more, with two strikeouts.
McCann hits it hard, but right at the first baseman. Gonzo strikes out looking. I swear the "Fox Track" adjusts to put every called strike at least on the edge of the strike zone. Gonzo wasn't brought here to hit .300 - it's apparent many fans have unrealistic expectations of him. I like his intensity. Before I can type that Heyward needs to be more aggressive, he lines the first pitch into right field for a single. Besides the aggressive play, it shows he's not trying to pull the ball. I have a son that needs to take note.
ERROR! Fontenot throws high to second. With two out, Ankiel walks to load the bases. Lowe gives it a ride...right at the rightfielder. Got to get me one of those Snazzy Nappers!
Those who attended last night's game were impressed by the atmosphere. Louie Giglio was at the "Sid Slid" game, and compared the resulting overflowing joy to what heaven will be like.
THIRD: Infante makes the play, a tough chance on a slow roller. Stockton says Omar is more comfortable at second, though he did make at least one error there against last week against the Phillies. Then two more strikeouts! Lowe's thrown 41 pitches, with 6 of 9 first pitch strikes.
Two straight hits for the Braves! As I've said, I think these announcers are doing a fine job. They're hitting all the topics in a timely fashion. Lee moves Infante to third. McCann swings 3-0, and misses. Full count. High drama for the third inning. RBI! Infante scored on McCann's sac fly. it's the Braves first pre-8th inning lead of the series.
Gonzo keeps it going with a line drive single to left-center, but Heyward strikes out. Atlanta has already matched last night's hit total, and have doubled the hits from game one. Stats courtesy of beat-writer Mark Bowman, sitting next to me. OK, he's tweeting over the phone sitting next to me.
Verducci told a nice story about McCann, laughing at himself for tripping over the bat last night.
FOURTH: With 3B Glaus playing in, he can't cut off a tough grounder Gonzo must backhand. The shortstop can't handle it, giving the Giants their first baserunner of the game. McCann nails the base stealer! He's been throwing great against the Giants, thanks in part to David Ross' help. Even better tag by Gonzo. Infante makes a nice scoop for the second out, then Lowe ends the inning with a strikeout. After four, he's faced the minimum. 57 pitches, 35 strikes.
Uh oh. Ceil's back. Might have to take a break and help with math homework, or do the dishes. I love those Conan commercials. You know the big guy sitting behind the Giants dugout in clear camera view, who goes to every game? His wife has come out of the woodwork for the playoffs. Sunday Isaw him talking to the guy sitting to his right.
Glaus strikes out. Hensley Meulens is interviewed. Quick! What's his nickname? Winner gets a shoutout.
FIFTH: Six pitch inning for Lowe. So I've sat here at the table the whole game, and it's getting kinda uncomfortable. But the Braves are winning, so I'll stay.
Game Four Fun Fact: Both teams have worn a different uniform for every game. The Braves have worn a different jersey each night: navy, grey, red, and white. The Giants wore their traditional home unis, their orange Friday jersey, their Sunday orange-billed cap, and tonight's traditional road uni. Thought you'd like to know.
Infante strikes out. Diaz & Lee are retired as well. We're moving along.
SIXTH: After a strikeout, Cody Ross slugs a first-pitch homer on a line into the leftfield bleachers. Tie game. No more no-hitter or shutout.
HOME RUN! McCann matches Ross with a first-pitch homer of his own. Braves lead 2-1. His third postseason HR. I saw his first, off Roger Clemens in 2005. I was also at the game against the A's when he got his first homer. Jealous?
Heyward singles, and breaks up the double play. Gonzo and Ankiel strike out. So what do you think about Hereafter, that new matt Damon movie?
SEVENTH: Hard grounder, easily played by Infante. Glaus has already made at least two nice plays. Soon as i type this, Glaus can't charge a slow roller fast enough, and posey has an infield hit. Much to the delight of the fans, Lowe talks Cox into letting him stay in the game. But after a five pitch walk loads the bases, Cox puts in Moylan. Lowe shouts an obsenity, but leaves to a huge ovation.
Gonzo's high throw draws Infante off the bag, and the run scores. Bad call? I think so too. The Braves need all the breaks they can get.
Venters and Diory in, to fave the veteran Rowland. Over-managing? Today I read in SI how sometimes the key matchups occur in the mid-innings, while some managers save their best relievers for the ninth. Not here. STRIKEOUT! But the next pitch is grounded through the hole into left. Diaz guns down Pat Burrell at the plate, but the Giants have scored the go-ahead run.
Diory bats for only the tenth time all year. He's wearing number 19, made famous by Fransisco Cabrera. He works the count full before flailing at strike three. Melky pinch hits, and promptly grounds out.
EIGHTH: Whatever happens, Will screams. Venters still pitching. Edgar beats out Gonzo's long throw. "NO!" screams Will. Strikeout! Double play!
Lee strikes out, but McCann singles to left. McLouth pinch runs. Gonzo lines to short...DROPPED! Did he not run to first? It's easy to assume the catch will be made, and not run. These players make it look easy, but playing baseball on such an elite level is not at all easy. Heyward's struggles continue: another strikeout to end the inning. Conrad sighting: he would've pinch hit next.
NINTH: Venters pitching, Huff singles to right. 2011 closer Kimbrel strikes out Posey, then induces an inning-ending double play.
Conrad faces baseball's 2010 save leader. Fly to center for the first out. Light-hitting lefty Ankiel hits, with last-night's hero Hinske on deck. He's the last position player left on the bench. Ankiel walks, putting the tying run on first. Can lightning strike twice? At the season's most crucial moment, I see two people in the front row...texting. Hinske walks...tying run on second, winning run on first. Hudson runs!
Infante bats. A 2010 all-star, he led the NL in hitting for most of the year. He had numerous big hits. But tonight he goes down on a checked swing. Down to their last out, it's...Melky. 5-3 groundout. It's over.
Bobby takes one last bow, and everyone cheers: the crowd, the Braves, even the Giants. Nice words from Cody Ross, who almost tears up talking about him.
If I told you in April the Braves would lose Chipper, all-star Prado, McLouth, Medlin, Jurrigans, O'Flanery, and Wagner to injury. Kawakami would flop. Glaus would earn player of the month, then fade. That Heyward would fade in September. But the Braves STILL make the playoffs. Severely undermanned, the media praises the Braves, who take the Giants to the brink in all four games.
Blame Cox for the loss? How about praising him for getting them this far!
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