The Atlanta offense woke up in a big way and Chipper Jones delivered the game winning hit in the 12th inning putting the Braves over the Reds by a final of 7-6. The Atlanta offense jumped on Reds starter Bronson Arroyo early scoring five runs in the first three innings off the game.
The Braves took an early 1-0 lead in the first on an Eric Hinske RBI single that scored Chipper Jones. Atlanta added two more runs in the second on a Jordan Schafer bunt single and a Martin Prado base hit. Leading 3-0 going into the third, the Braves took what looked like a commanding lead after solo home runs by Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman made the score 5-0.
However, Derek Lowe was struggling on the mound having narrowly worked out of bases-loaded jams in both the first and the third innings. Lowe wasn't as fortunate in the fourth as the Reds offense finally broke through. After two singles and a walk loaded the bases yet again, Drew Stubbs cleared the bases with a double to cut the score to 5-3. Brandon Phillips followed with a double of his own scoring Stubbs and Joey Votto later tied the game with an RBI single.
Reds pitcher, Jeremy Horst made his major-league debut in the fourth striking out two batters in his first inning of work but his biggest contribution came on his first major-league hit in the fifth that gave Cincinnati its first lead of the game at 6-5. Atlanta didn't trail long, as Brian McCann once again tied things up with his second home run of the game, this one coming off the lefty Horst.
Back to back walks Jordan Schafer and Martin Prado set the stage for Chipper Jones in the 12th and he delivered with a single that scored Schafer giving Atlanta the win 7-6.
Atlanta's bullpen was solid in this one combining to pitch 8.1 innings while only allowing one run. Scott Linebrink picked up his first win of the season by tossing two innings of scoreless baseball. Lowe lasted just 3.1 allowing seven hits, five walks, and five earned runs.
Brian McCann finished 4 for 5 with two home runs and two RBI's. Freddie Freeman went 3 for 5 including his fifth home run of the season. Alex Gonzalez also added two hits for Atlanta, raising his average to .271 in the process.
Carlos Fisher took the loss for the Reds. Arroyo surrendered nine hits and a walk while allowing the Braves five runs. He did not strike out a batter. Outfielder Jonny Gomes entered the game hitting .162 but went 4 for 5 on the night. Drew Stubbs added three hits and three RBI's while both Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips had two hits apiece.
The Braves will send Jair Jurrjens to the mound on Sunday as they look to take the series.