A solid starting performance from Derek Lowe, home runs from Michael Bourn, Brian McCann and Chipper Jones, and strong bullpen work led Atlanta to a 4-2 victory on Friday night.
Bourn led off the game with a solo-homer to right off Diamondbacks starter Daniel Hudson, who has been tough on the opposition all season long. McCann had the big blow of the game with his 2-run shot in the third and Chipper added his run of insurance in the sixth.
The DBacks had many chances to score, but they were only able to capitalize once. With runners on first and third and two outs, MVP candidate Justin Upton hit a 2-run double into the right field gap to cut the lead in half. The move to pitch to the star with Eric O'Flaherty was controversial -- especially with a left-handed batter on deck -- though it would not end up costing Atlanta the game.
Jonny Venters was great once again in the eighth. Craig Kimbrel allowed a bunt single and a walk in his inning of duty, but Upton tapped out weakly in front of the plate to end the game. Kimbrel's save gave him 38 for the year.
The two teams will continue their series Saturday evening. It'll be Brandon Beachy against Wade Miley, who will be making his first Major League start. First pitch is set for 7:10, weather permitting.