A four-run sixth propelled the Braves to a 6-2 win over the Brewers in the series opener at Turner Field.
David Ross put the Braves on the board in the third with a solo homer. But the Brewers quickly answered in the fourth when Yuniesky Betancourt tripled to deep center that bounced off Nate McLouth's glove, resulting in two runs and the lead.
The Braves loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth, which eventually led to four runs. Three came on a bases-clearing double by Alex Gonzalez. The other came on an RBI single by McLouth that scored Gonzalez. The Braves added an insurance run in the seventh when Jason Heyward walked and Chipper Jones doubled him to third, which set up a sac fly RBI for Freddie Freeman.
Gonzalez went 2-4 with a double and three RBIs, and he added several more outstanding defensive plays, so he was certainly the player of the game. Ross added an RBI on a home run, his third of the season and third in his last two games. Freeman and McLouth added one RBI each.
Chipper went 2-3 with a double and walk. Dan Uggla added two singles and a walk. Heyward walked twice.
Jurrjens went 7.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with no walks and four strikeouts. It was another excellent outing for Jurrjens, who threw 73 strikes over 101 pitches, and he induced 12 groundouts to six flyouts. Jurrjens is pitching very efficiently lately, and his ground balls are great to see. His command is also on point.
With two in scoring position with two outs, Eric O'Flaherty got Prince Fielder to ground out for the last out in the inning. Craig Kimbrel struck out two over a scoreless ninth.
Yovani Gallardo pitched five innings of one-run ball, but he fell apart in the sixth and allowed all four runs. His final line was five innings, allowing five runs on nine hits with four walks and seven strikeouts. Zach Braddock allowed the insurance run in the seventh.
Betancourt continues to be a thorn in Atlanta's side, going 2-3 with a triple and two RBIs. Otherwise, the Brewers didn't receive much offense. Rickie Weeks picked up two singles. Ryan Braun had one hit while Fielder was held hitless.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Brewers fans check out Brew Crew Ball.