Pirates Vs. Braves: Atlanta Drops Series Finale, Mike Minor Struggles

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Atlanta Braves Fall To Pirates 9-3, Mike Minor Struggles

The Atlanta Braves had a chance to win yet another series on Monday night against the Pirates, but a poor showing from Mike Minor stopped any chance of that as the club fell 9-3. The young lefty worked 6.1 innings and allowed seven runs to score on eight hits and three walks. Minor did strike out nine, though, and was on the wrong end of a few bloops early in the game.

James McDonald made the start for the Pirates and was excellent, striking out 10 batters in 7.2 innings. He allowed seven hits and two walks, allowing three runs to score.

Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer in the first inning to give the club an early lead, but that was about all Atlanta would do with the bats for the rest of the evening. Pedro Alvarez and Yamaico Navarro both hit two-run home runs of their own, and the game was blown wide open once Chad Durbin entered the game in the seventh inning.

Every starter for Pittsburgh had at least one hit. Neil Walker had three.

Just a rough game for the Braves. The two clubs split the four-game series 2-2.

Next up for Atlanta: The Phillies, who will make their way to Turner Field on Tuesday evening to kick off their first series of the year.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

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Braves Vs. Pirates: Starting Lineups Announced

The Atlanta Braves take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night, with a shot at claiming sole possession of first place in the NL East with a win.

Here's a look at the starting lineups for each.

Atlanta:

1. Michael Bourn, centerfield, L

2. Martin Prado, left field, R

3. Freddie Freeman, first base, L

4. Brian McCann, catcher, L

5. Dan Uggla, second base, R

6. Chipper Jones, third base, S

7. Eric Hinske, right field, L

8. Tyler Pastomicky, shortstop, R

9. Mike Minor, pitcher, R

Pittsburgh:

1. Jose Tabata, right field, R

2. Josh Harrison, shortstop, R

3. Andre McCutchen, centerfield, R

4. Casey McGehee, first base, R

5. Neil Walker, second base, S

6. Yamaico Navarro, left field, R

7. Pedro Alvarez, third base, L

8. Rod Barajas, catcher, R

9. James McDonald, pitcher, L

For more on this game Braves fans should check out Talking Chop and Pirates fans should visit Bucs Dugout For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Braves Vs. Pirates: Game Time, TV Info And More For Game 4

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Braves Defeat Pirates 4-3 As Tim Hudson Returns To Mound

The Atlanta Braves welcomed back a familiar face Sunday afternoon against the Pirates, sending Tim Hudson to the mound for his first start of the season. Despite a shaky start and some poor defense early in the game, the Braves rallied in the middle innings to claim a 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh and Kevin Correia. The win improves Atlanta to 14-8 this season, including a 7-2 mark at home.

Hudson worked five innings on Sunday before being lifted after 96 pitches. The veteran righty, who is now in his eighth season with the Braves, allowed six hits and two walks on the afternoon, striking out six. Hudson was squeezed a bit by home plate umpire Doug Eddings and was on the wrong side of a few balls hit right down the foul lines, but he still managed to pitch well enough to claim his first victory of the season.

Jose Tabata of the Pirates drove in the first two runs of the game in the second inning with a two-RBI single to right field. Freddie Freeman cut the deficit in half in the third inning with a deep sacrifice fly to score Tim Hudson from third, who had previously reached base on a dropped fly ball by Andrew McCutchen to begin the inning.

With the score 2-1 in the fourth, Tyler Pastornicky came up clutch once again with a two-out RBI-double, his second in the last three games. Dan Uggla drew a bases loaded walk in the fifth to give Atlanta a 3-2 lead.

The Braves received stellar work from their bullpen on Sunday, receiving scoreless innings from Chad Durbin, Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters. These three held the lead long enough for Martin Prado to provide an insurance run with a solo some run in the seventh inning to claim a 4-2 lead.

Craig Kimbrel surrendered a run in the ninth on a wild pitch that both he and McCann thought was a foul ball, but he still managed to battle back and record save No. 8 on the young season.

The Braves and Pirates will wrap up their four-game series on Monday evening at 7:05. Mike Minor will take the mound for Atlanta and will be opposed by John McDonald.

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Pirates Vs. Braves: Four Fielding Errors Cost Both Teams, Tied 2-2 Into The 5th Inning

In TIm Hudson's first game back on the mound for the Atlanta Braves, the Columbus native has fought out of a few jams and got his strikeout pitch rolling versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Heading to the 5th inning, Hudson has given up 2 earned runs to keep the Braves tied 2-2. Hudson has 5 strikeouts and a walk thus far.

The Braves bats have been slow to come alive versus the Pirates, as Freddie Freeman's sacrifice fly in the third inning brought Hudson home as Atlanta's only run scored. Jose Tabata's single in the second inning scored two runs to get the Pirates on the board early. Tyler Pastornicky double in the fourth inning brought in Dan Uggla to tie the score.

This game has been marred by errors so far, as the Pirates and the Braves have each committed two errors. The usually sure-gloved Andrew McCutcheon botched a fly ball and Tyler Pastornicky flubbed a grounder at shortstop.

Stay tuned for more on this game, as we move into the second half of the contest.

For more on Brian McCann and the Atlanta Braves check out Talking Chop. For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Brian McCann Injury: Braves Catcher Back In Lineup On Sunday

Brian McCann is back in the Braves' lineup for Sunday after suffering a side injury on Friday. McCann woke up feeling better on Saturday but sat out the Atlanta loss to the Pirates. It was originally thought that McCann would be back on Monday but he lobbied manager Fredi Gonzalez for Sunday's game. The Braves brought him in early and he passed all of the tests to get back in the lineup.

McCann texted Fredi early this morning that he wanted to play. #Braves tested him when he got here, said OK.

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) April 29, 2012

McCann is hitting .250 for the Braves and has three homers and nine RBIs on the season. David Ross got the start for McCann in Saturday's game.

For more on Brian McCann and the Atlanta Braves check out Talking Chop. For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Pirates Vs. Braves Starting Lineups: Chipper Jones, Brian McCann In Sunday's Lineup

Chipper Jones is in Fredi Gonzalez's starting lineup for Sunday after sitting out on Saturday with pain in his surgically repaired knee. Jones told the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday that his knee began bothering him late in Friday's game and the 40-year old third baseman sat out Saturday's game appearing as a pinch hitter late.

"Ever since (Friday) night about the seventh or eighth inning, it's been really, really bad," Jones said. "I don't know what the prognosis is. I don't know why it's hurting the way it is. But if it continues to affect me the way it is, I can't go out there and play nine innings. I can't do it."

Jones might not be able to go the whole game but the knee must have improved enough that he is going to give it a try on Sunday.

Chipper isn't the only player back in the Braves lineup as Brian McCann is also making his return one game ahead of schedule. McCann left Friday's game with a ribcage injury but woke up feeling better on Saturday and is back in there on Sunday.

Here is a look at the full lineups for today's game:

Atlanta Braves

1. Michael Bourn (L) CF
2. Martin Prado (R) LF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Brian McCann (L) C
5. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
6. Chipper Jones (S) 3B
7. Jason Heyward (L) RF
8. Tyler Pastornicky (R) SS
9. Tim Hudson (R) P

Pittsburgh Pirates

1. Alex Presley (L) LF
2. Jose Tabata (R) RF
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Garrett Jones (L) 1B
5. Neil Walker (S) 2B
6. Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
7. Clint Barmes (R) SS
8. Michael McKenry (R) C
9. Kevin Correia (R) P

For more on this game Braves fans should check out Talking Chop and Pirates fans should visit Bucs Dugout For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Pirates Vs. Braves Time, TV, Radio Info For Game 3

After seeing their three game winning streak snapped, the Atlanta Braves will turn to Tim Hudson to get things going back in the right direction. Hudson will be making his 2012 season debut after having back surgery in the offseason.

Atlanta dropped Game 2 of the series due to some early struggles from Randall Delgado and a solid pitching performance from Erik Bedard and the Pirates' bullpen.

Brian McCann isn't expected back in the lineup until at least Monday and Atlanta could be without Chipper Jones again on Sunday as the third baseman continues to deal with pain in his surgically repaired knee Both sat out Saturday's loss with David Ross filling in at catcher and Juan Francisco at third base.

Game date/time: Sunday, April 29, 1:35 p.m. ET

Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

Pitching Matchup: Tim Hudson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Kevin Correia (1-0, 2.00 ERA)

TV: SportSouth

Radio: 680 The Fan

Online Streaming: MLB.tv

For more on this game Braves fans should check out Talking Chop and Pirates fans should visit Bucs Dugout For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Jair Jurrjens To Make First Appearance For Triple-A Gwinnett On Sunday

Jair Jurrjens quest for a return to the majors begins Sunday with a start for Triple-A Gwinnett. Jurrjens had an 0-2 record with a 9.37 ERA in four starts for the Braves this season before being demoted.

His struggles began during the second half of last season when a knee injury led to a loss in velocity and his confidence. His knee is now reportedly healthy but Jurrjen's velocity and confidence hasn't returned. The good news is he took his demotion well.

"I can't be mad at anybody other than me...."

Jurrjens also knows what he must do to earn himself another chance with the Braves.

"You go through a rough patch, and it's hard to figure out what's going on," he said. "I need to get that mindset back that I'm going to get you out. Then I think I'll be fine."

For more on this game Braves fans should check out Talking Chop and Pirates fans should visit Bucs Dugout For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Brian McCann Injury: Braves' Catcher Hopeful For Monday Return

The Atlanta Braves took a sigh of relief on Saturday when Brian McCann woke up and felt better after he suffered a ribcage injury on a throw to second base during Friday's game. McCann missed a part of the 2011 season with a strained oblique but this injury isn't thought to be anywhere near as serious. That didn't stopMcCann and the Braves from being cautious.

"I don't like not being in there, but I learned my lesson last year that you go on the DL with an oblique for 3 ½ weeks to a month, it's going to take you two months to get back," McCann said. "So I was being cautious and hopefully in a couple days I'll be ready to go."

David Ross got the start for the Braves on Saturday and is expected to also on Sunday. McCann is hopeful that he might be able to return to action on Sunday for the series finale with the Pirates.

For more on Brian McCann and the Atlanta Braves check out Talking Chop.

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Tim Hudson Injury: Braves Starter To Make 2012 Debut Sunday

Tim Hudson will make his 2012 season debut for the Braves on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hudson had spinal fusion surgery during the offseason and began the year on the disabled list. Hudson was shooting for a late April or early May return and was right on schedule after four minor league rehab starts.

Hudson struggled in both of his starts for Single-A Rome but the goal at that stop was to simply build stamina. He was much sharper in two starts for Triple-A Gwinnett where he allowed one earned run in two starts.

Hudson's return to the rotation didn't quite go as expected. Most figured it would be Randall Delgado that would be sent down to make room for Hudson on the roster. However, Jair Jurrjens struggles led to a surprise demotion for the former All-Star.

For more on Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves head over to Talking Chop. For more Major League Baseball news and notes head over to Baseball Nation.

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Braves vs. Pirates Score: Randall Delgado Struggles Again As Atlanta Falls 4-2

The Atlanta Braves saw their three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday night with Randall Delgado on the mound. The young righty had struggled in recent starts and was unable to consistently throw strikes, leading to an early exit after just 4.1 innings. He surrendered eight hits and three walks to the Pirates, who are statistically the worst offensive team in baseball, and gave up four runs.

Despite a few late rally attempts from the Braves, they fell short by a score of 4-2 to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates scored early and often on Saturday evening. Garrett Jones drove in a run in the first inning with a sacrifice fly to deep center field. Alex Presley doubled in the second to bring in another run, and Jose Tabata lined a ball to right field to score Presley in the following at-bat.

With Atlanta trailing 3-0 in the third, Dan Uggla continued his stellar play at the plate with an RBI-single to cut the deficit to two runs. Unfortunately for the Braves, Delgado surrendered another run in the fifth inning on a Pedro Alvarez double to make the score 4-1.

Jason Heyward doubled and stole a base to lead off the sixth inning, and Juan Francisco brought him home with an RBI-groundout. Still trailing by a score of 4-2 in the seventh, Michael Bourn led off the inning with a single but was quickly erased on a 6-3 double play from the bat of Martin Prado. With two outs in the ninth inning, Eric Hinske appeared to hit a solo home run just to have it caught at the wall in right field.

If there was a positive side to the game it would have to be the stellar bullpen work from Livan Hernandez and Christian Martinez. The two relievers combined to work 4.2 innings and allowed just one hit and one walk, striking out four in the process.

Game three of the four-game series will be played on Sunday afternoon at 1:35 ET. Tim Hudson is scheduled to make his return to the mound and will be opposed by Kevin Correia.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

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Pirates Vs. Braves Starting Lineups: Brian McCann, Chipper Jones Both Out For Atlanta

The Braves are going for their fourth straight win but will do so without either Brian McCann or Chipper Jones in the starting lineup. McCann suffered injured a rib cage muscle in the series opener but is hopeful that he can return to the lineup on Monday. Chipper Jones is out of the lineup as well with a scheduled day off. David Ross will bat sixth in place of McCann while Juan Francisco will bat seventh and play third.

Here is a look at the full lineups:

Atlanta Braves

1. Michael Bourn (L) CF
2. Martin Prado (R) LF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
5. Jason Heyward (L) RF
6. David Ross (R) C
7. Juan Francisco (L) 3B
8. Tyler Pastornicky (R) SS
9. Randall Delgado (R) P

Pittsburgh Pirates

1. Alex Presley (L) LF
2. Jose Tabata (R) RF
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Garrett Jones (L) 1B
5. Neil Walker (S) 2B
6. Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
7. Clint Barmes (R) SS
8. Rod Barajas (R) C
9. Erik Bedard (L) P

For more on this game Braves fans should check out Talking Chop and Pirates fans should visit Bucs Dugout For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Pirates Vs. Braves Game 2 Time, TV, Radio Info And More

The Atlanta Braves look to continue their surge when they take the field Saturday night for Game 2 of their four-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Braves defeated the Pirates 6-1 in Game 1 and will send Randall Delgado to the mound who is looking for his third win of the young season.

Delgado will be opposed by Erik Bedard who has pitched well this season but has gotten little to no run support from his teammates. Bedard is 0-4 despite having a 2.63 ERA and is dead last among starting pitchers in run support.

Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 28, 7:10 p.m.

Location: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

Pitching Matchup: Randall Delgado (2-1, 5.74 ERA) vs. Erik Bedard (0-4, 2.63 ERA)

TV: Peachtree TV

Radio: 680 The Fan

Online Streaming: MLB.tv

For more on this game Braves fans should check out Talking Chop and Pirates fans should visit Bucs Dugout For more news and notes from around Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.

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Brian McCann Injury Update: Braves Catcher Day-To-Day With Rib Cage Strain

Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann has been listed as day-to-day by the club with a right ribcage strain. McCann suffered the injury on Friday night when he blocked a ball in effort to prevent a wild pitch. After taking his at bat in the fifth, McCann exited the game after experiencing discomfort swinging.

McCann called his leaving the game "just a precaution" and added, "I want to be sure it heals up."

But it isn't known how long that might take.

"We'll know more tomorrow," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It's up high between the ribs. We've not really overly concerned. If it is with the oblique, it is a different story."

McCann hasn't got off to a quick start this year, hitting just .250/.300/.422 with three home runs and five runs batted in. Hopefully for the Braves, McCann heals quickly and is not affected by this injury going forward, otherwise a DL stint looks like a distinct possibility.

For more on the Braves, be sure to head over to Talking Chop and join the discussion.

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Pirates Vs. Braves: Starting Line-Ups Announced

Tonight is the opening contest of a three-game set between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves, and it will be interesting to see A.J. Burnett in one of his first starts in the NL after the off-season trade that brought him over from the Yankees. The Braves are 5-1 at home on the season and they'll look to remain dominant against a light-hitting Pittsburgh line-up. Here are today's starting squads.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
1. Alex Presley (L) LF
2. Clint Barmes (R) SS
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Garrett Jones (L) RF
5. Neil Walker (S) 2B
6. Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
7. Casey McGehee (R) 1B
8. Rod Barajas (R) C
9. A.J. Burnett (R) P

ATLANTA BRAVES
1. Michael Bourn (L) CF
2. Martin Prado (R) LF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Brian McCann (L) C
5. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
6. Chipper Jones (S) 3B
7. Jason Heyward (L) RF
8. Tyler Pastornicky (R) SS
9. Tommy Hanson (R) P

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.

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Braves vs. Pirates Preview: Atlanta Faces The Lowest Scoring Team In Baseball

The Pittsburgh Pirates have not been a good team this season. After a surprising start to last year, the team has done the complete opposite of that thus far, going 8-10 with the fewest runs scored in baseball. And it isn't just like a few guys aren't hitting; other than Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones, their numbers up and down the batting order are all pretty pedestrian.

Get this: the Pirates have scored 41 runs, worst in MLB. The second-worst team? The Athletics, who have had 59 runs cross the plate. Yikes.

Despite their struggles, McCutchen still looks like one of the brightest young stars in the league. Despite going homeless to this point, the 25-year-old has posted an OPS of .773 and plays strong defense in center field. He also leads his club with four steals. First baseman Garrett Jones has always hit well and has continued to do so, posting a triple-slash line of .297/.316/.595.

Outfielder Alex Presley has done a solid job in left field and currently has an OPS of .780. Casey McGehee came over from Milwaukee and has done a decent job offensively with a wOBA of .316. Nate McLouth returned to the Pirates following his poor tenure in Atlanta and has failed to do much of anything yet (.200/.304/.300).

Pitching Matchups:

Friday, 7:35 ET: Tommy Hanson vs. A.J. Burnett

Saturday, 7:10 ET: Randall Delgado vs. Erik Bedard

Sunday, 1:35 ET: Tim Hudson (TIM HUDSON!) vs. Kevin Correia

Monday, 7:10 ET: Mike Minor vs. TBA

The Pirates have been pretty good on the mound thus far as a staff. It's just tough to win when your team has scored 41 runs in 18 games.

Final Thoughts:

The Braves really should win this series. Taking three out of four seems likely at this point, with either a split or sweep also very possible. Anything more than two losses to the Pirates would be a pretty tough blow to a team playing some very inspired baseball right now.

For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.