Tommy Hanson struck out a career high 14 batters helping the Braves to a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros. The victory was Atlanta's sixth in a row and third straight against Houston. The Braves will try to complete the four game sweep tomorrow.
Hanson wins his eighth game of the season going seven innings, allowing three hits and only one run. His previous career high in strikeouts was 12. Hanson lowered his ERA to 2.48 in the process. The only blemish came on a Carlos Lee double in the sixth that scored Matt Downs.
Atlanta's offense has come to life in the series and they have been banging out the long ball. Dan Uggla put Atlanta on the board early in the first with a two run home run to left. The homer was Uggla's eighth of the season. Uggla had two hits for the second straight day and may be finally showing signs of coming out of the season long slump that he has endured. Brian McCann added his second homer in as many days in the sixth pushing the Atlanta lead to 4-0. The homer was McCann's ninth of the season.
Brett Myers takes the loss for Houston after allowing four runs over seven innings of work. Myers is now 2-6 on the season.
Eric O'Flaherty worked a scoreless eighth allowing only one hit and Jonny Venters closed things out in the ninth for his third save of the season giving Craig Kimbrel the day off.
Atlanta goes for the four game sweep tomorrow in the series finale with Derek Lowe taking the mound for the Braves.