The losing streak is finally over! After going eight days without winning a game, the Atlanta Braves rode a big three-run homer from Dan Uggla on their way to a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Michael Bourn continued his stellar play and led off the game with a solo homer to right field, a no-doubt shot off Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook. Dan Uggla delivered the big blow of the game in the third inning with a two-out, three-run jack to center field that gave the Braves a 4-0 lead.
Randall Delgado pitched well despite some control issues early and picked up his first win in the month of May, improving his record to 3-5 overall. The young righty lasted 5.1 innings and allowed three runs to score on six hits and three walks. Delgado struck out just one batter while throwing 98 pitches. He exited in the sixth in favor of Chad Durbin, who came up with two big strikeouts to end the scoring threat for St. Louis.
With the score 4-2 in the fifth it was Jose Constanza who ignited a rally with a single to lead off the inning. He came around to score on a passed ball to give Atlanta a three-run cushion.
Yadier Molina led off the sixth with a solo homer, and St. Louis added another run in the seventh off Jonny Venters with a two-out, RBI single from Molina. Venters struck out Matt Adams with two runners on to end the scoring threat.
Eric O'Flaherty worked a perfect eighth inning, and Craig Kimbrel recorded his 14th save of the year with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth.
The two clubs will play the series finale on Wednesday night. Tim Hudson will square off with Kyle Lohse on the mound.
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