When the Braves and Giants matched up in the playoffs last season, each of the four games played were decided by one run. In the four games played this week, three of the games were decided by one run and the other was decided by two. Atlanta came away with all three of the one run victories with a thrilling 1-0 victory on Thursday evening.
Two of the best pitching staffs in baseball faced off, and despite stellar efforts from both Mike Minor and Tim Lincecum, it was the All-Star and Cy Young winner who would fall short.
The lone run of the game came in the fifth inning. Chipper Jones took a high fastball and sent it deep into the right field seats to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. It was a no-doubt shot and one of the better balls Chipper has hit this season.
Mike Minor struggled with command early in the game, but he was dominant after settling in. The rookie tossed six innings -- the most he's pitched all season -- and struck out nine Giants. He gave up just four hits and one walk during his start.
The Braves phenomenal trio of relievers -- Eric O'Flaherty, Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel -- combined to work the final three innings and allowed just one hit while striking out three. Kimbrel recorded his 37th save which ties him for the all-time National League rookie record. He is just four shy of setting the all-time mark set by Neftali Feliz in 2010.
Atlanta extends their wild card lead to six games over the Giants with the win. The team went 6-1 against the defending champions this year.