After a disastrous 8th inning that saw the Dodgers score two runs without the aid of a hit (largely through sketchy third base defense from Brooks Conrad), the Braves were looking at a two run deficit against a tough lefty reliever. Undeterred, the Braves put together a pair of singles from Alex Gonzalez and Brian McCann, and then a walk by Brooks Conrad to load the bases. Kuo was quickly replaced by former Brave/Pirate/Yankee/others Octavio Dotel, who failed to record as he walked David Ross before working the count full against Melky Cabrera. Cabrera reached out and punched a single through the hole to complete the comeback win.
This is a big win for the Braves, taking 3 out of 4 from the Dodgers and picking up half a game on the Phillies, keeping the pressure to win on their NL East rivals. Tommy Hanson had an excellent start, going 7 strong while allowing one earned while battling the wet, miserable conditions on the field. While the Braves couldn’t pick up the win for him, they did back Moylan, who pitched a very efficient frame in the top of the ninth to earn his fourth win.
Talking Chop weighs in:
We needn't have been nervous. The Melk-Man always* delivers. He took a bad swing at the first pitch but worked the count full, then slapped a single just past the shortstop into left field. One run scored. When Scott Podsednik couldn't field the ball cleanly, another run scored, and the Braves' victory was assured.
* sometimes