Jason Heyward has not played much in the last few weeks. He single-handedly won the game tonight for the Atlanta Braves. Heyward, who recorded three hits, hit his first career grand slam and even went the other way with a single to left field. We can only hope this is a sign of things to come for our star right fielder and he should get yet another start on Wednesday.
Mike Minor pitched well, though his pitch count forced him to exit after five innings. He struck out six and did not walk a batter, and the only big blow was a two-run double from Aramis Ramirez in fourth. All-in-all, it was another strong effort from the young lefty.
Casey Coleman pitched extremely well and his only downfall was a two-out rally in the fourth from the Braves. He, like Minor, finished after five innings and allowed five runs on five hits and two walks. Coleman struck out two. He deserved a better outcome and his lone mistake was a decent fastball down in the zone to Heyward, which essentially cost him the game.
A bullpen battle ensued from four innings once the starters left. Atlanta held their 5-4 lead in each inning and Craig Kimbrel recorded his 40th save of the year, which ties the rookie record for saves in a season.
Atlanta now has earned at least a split of the series and will go for the win Wednesday night. Derek Lowe will face Randy Wells in a matchup that is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m.