On the day he was named to the 2012 All-Star Game, Chipper Jones turned in one of the greatest nights of his career. Jones recorded five hits --two doubles and three singles -- and even stole a base as the Braves went on to win 10-3 over the Cubs. It was the third five-hit game of Chipper's career, his first in nearly 10 years.
Atlanta trailed early on Tuesday night after some poor defense in the third inning, but things really got going in the fifth. Brian McCann and Andrelton Simmons led off the inning with a single, and Eric Hinske drew a walk to load the bases. Michael Bourn then ambushed a first-pitch fastball down the right field line to clear the bases on a three-run triple.
Martin Prado drove Bourn home with a sacrifice fly, and then Jason Heyward deposited a ball into the center field seats to give the Braves a 6-3 lead.
Prado came up once again with the bases loaded in the sixth and drew a walk to score another run. Heyward flew out for the second out of the inning, brining up Jones once again. Chipper belted a ball into right field for a three-run double, which was his fourth hit of the night at the time.
Jones recorded his fifth hit with two outs in the eighth inning, a single to right. He exited to a standing ovation at Turner Field.
Jair Jurrjens continued to pitch well since his call up to Atlanta, working five innings of three-run ball. None of the runs were earned. While he did surrender nine hits, quite a few of them were a product of prolonged innings due to errors in the field. He only struck out two batters, but also did not walk any. That's a very encouraging sign.
The Braves and Cubs will meet yet again on Wednesday night for a Fourth of July special. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
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