On what was the final day of a 10-day, 10-game road trip that spanned from Washington D.C. to the west coast, the Braves looked like a team ready to head home. With the series on the line, Atlanta fell by a score of 8-2 as Tommy Hanson continued to struggle.
Hanson, who continually threw his fastball in the upper-80s, worked just 4.2 innings. He surrendered four runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks, striking out three. His ERA for the season is now 4.45. You have to wonder if this will be his final start given that he really hasn't pitched effectively since, well, last year.
Eric Stults dominated the Braves yet again on Wednesday afternoon, tossing six innings of one-run ball. Stults worked 7+ innings of one-run ball a few weeks back in Atlanta, and it's safe to say the Braves did not make the proper adjustments on this day. Stults' lone run was unearned, and he allowed just five hits and two walks.
Chipper Jones and David Ross were the only hitters to record two hits on the day. Michael Bourn drove home a run with a sac fly in the fifth, while Ross hit a solo homer in the ninth.
The Braves will not return home and have a much needed off-day before taking on the Phillies for a three-game stint. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 ET.
For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.