SB Nation Atlanta - Braves vs. Mets: Tim Hudson Dominates, Chipper Jones The Hero In 1-0 Victoryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2011-09-17T19:00:58-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/21946002011-09-17T19:00:58-04:002011-09-17T19:00:58-04:00Tim Hudson Strikes Out 10 As Chipper Jones Propels Braves To 1-0 Victory
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<p>Saturday's game featured the exact same recipe the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> used to achieve all of their success this season: great pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting. </p>
<p><span>Tim Hudson</span> dominated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> for eight innings and struck out 10 batters despite consistently being squeezed by the home plate umpire. Hudson allowed just four hits and two walks and recorded his fifteenth victory of the season. For a pitcher who had struggled in his past few starts, it was a big game for the veteran.</p>
<p><span>R.A. Dickey</span> was every bit as good as Hudson was until the eighth inning. Dickey had a two-hit shutout going until the late innings and kept the Braves hitters fooled all day with his wild-yet-effective knuckleball. He ended his day working 7.2 innings and allowed just one run. He deserved a better outcome, but Tim Hudson was just slightly better and proved to be victorious.</p>
<p>As for the Braves run, <span>Jason Heyward</span> walked to lead off the eighth. Jose Constanza came on as a pinch-hitter and bunted Heyward into scoring position. After Michael Bourn grounded out to move J-Hey to third and <span>Martin Prado</span> drew a walk, <span>Chipper Jones</span> came to the plate in front of the Turner Field crowd of 46,763 and hit a single back up the middle. The Ted erupted and Atlanta finally scratched out a run against Dickey.</p>
<p><span>Craig Kimbrel</span> came on in the ninth and blew <span>David Wright</span>, <span>Lucas Duda</span> and <span>Jason Bay</span> away with strikeouts. It was the 45th save of the season for the rookie, which ties him for the Major League lead with Detroit's Jose Valverde.</p>
<p>Needless to say, it was a huge victory for the Braves. Their magic number for the wild card is down to eight with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> set to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> this evening.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/9/17/2431956/braves-vs-mets-tim-hudson-chipper-jones-mlb-playoff-raceScott Coleman2011-09-16T23:44:42-04:002011-09-16T23:44:42-04:00Braves Blown Out Early By Mets In 12-2 Defeat
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> lead in the wild card race is down to just 3.5 games after an embarrassing 12-2 defeat at Turner Field on Friday night.</p>
<p><span>Derek Lowe</span> was plastered by a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> lineup that had scored 15 runs in their past six games entering the series. The veteran starter, who Fredi Gonzalez is planning to use in the playoffs should the team make it, lasted just 2.1 innings and allowed six runs on nine hits and a walk.</p>
<p>After throwing a complete game in his last start against Atlanta, <span>Chris Capuano</span> was nearly as good his second time around. The lefty worked six innings and allowed just two runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out six and worked out of trouble on multiple occasions.</p>
<p><span>David Wright</span> homered twice and drove in five runs, <span>Lucas Duda</span> recorded four hits and <span>Jose Reyes</span> reached base four times. The Mets bullpen did not allow a single hit in four innings of work.</p>
<p>As for the Braves, <span>Chipper Jones</span> drove in a run in the first inning with a sacrifice fly to center field that score <span>Michael Bourn</span> easily. <span>Martin Prado</span>, who has shown signs of life the last few days, hit a solo-home run in the second inning.</p>
<p>The team will turn to <span>Tim Hudson</span> on Saturday afternoon as they look to get back on track. The game will be aired nationally on FOX.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/9/16/2430562/braves-vs-mets-derek-lowe-chris-capuano-mlb-playoff-raceScott Coleman2011-09-16T15:25:48-04:002011-09-16T15:25:48-04:00Braves vs. Mets Series Preview: It's Time To Pull Away For The Playoffs
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<p>With the playoffs beginning in two weeks, the time is now for the Braves to pull away in the standings and solidify their spot in the postseason.</p> <p>This is a big series for the Atlanta Braves. While the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mets</a> do not have any chance at a playoff run, this weekend's games will give the Braves a chance to further their wild card lead, especially with the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> -- who sit 4.5 games back -- playing four games in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>This is the sixth series against the Mets this season and they are already looking ahead to 2012. Atlanta needs to take advantage of their opponents and continue to play well as they did against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/florida-marlins" class="sbn-auto-link">Marlins</a> earlier this week.</p>
<p>As for individual performances, Derek Lowe, who will be on the mound Friday evening, needs to have a solid start tonight. Fredi Gonzalez recently said the team would use Lowe as their No. 2 starter in the playoffs because of his experience and ability to keep the ball on the ground, though it would make Braves Country feel slightly more confident if the inconsistent veteran finished the year off strong. </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>Pitching Matchups:</b></span></p>
<p>Friday, 7:35 EDT - Derek Lowe vs. <span>Chris Capuano</span> - SportSouth</p>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>G</th> <th>GS</th> <th>CG</th> <th>SHO</th> <th>SV</th> <th>BS</th> <th>IP</th> <th>H</th> <th>R</th> <th>ER</th> <th>HR</th> <th>BB</th> <th>K</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2011 - <span>Derek Lowe</span>
</td>
<td>9-14</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>174.1</td>
<td>191</td>
<td>96</td>
<td>91</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>130</td>
<td>4.70</td>
<td class="td-last">1.48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>G</th> <th>GS</th> <th>CG</th> <th>SHO</th> <th>SV</th> <th>BS</th> <th>IP</th> <th>H</th> <th>R</th> <th>ER</th> <th>HR</th> <th>BB</th> <th>K</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2011 - <span>R.A. Dickey</span>
</td>
<td>8-12</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>194.0</td>
<td>196</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>126</td>
<td>3.43</td>
<td class="td-last">1.25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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<p>Saturday, 4:10 EDT - Tim Hudson vs. R.A. Dickey - FOX</p>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>G</th> <th>GS</th> <th>CG</th> <th>SHO</th> <th>SV</th> <th>BS</th> <th>IP</th> <th>H</th> <th>R</th> <th>ER</th> <th>HR</th> <th>BB</th> <th>K</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2011 - <span>Tim Hudson</span>
</td>
<td>14-10</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>195.0</td>
<td>170</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>140</td>
<td>3.32</td>
<td class="td-last">1.14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>G</th> <th>GS</th> <th>CG</th> <th>SHO</th> <th>SV</th> <th>BS</th> <th>IP</th> <th>H</th> <th>R</th> <th>ER</th> <th>HR</th> <th>BB</th> <th>K</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2011 - <span>R.A. Dickey</span>
</td>
<td>8-12</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>194.0</td>
<td>196</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>126</td>
<td>3.43</td>
<td class="td-last">1.25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>Sunday, 1:35 EDT - Brandon Beachy vs. Dillon Gee (because what's a Mets series without him, right?) - SportSouth</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>G</th> <th>GS</th> <th>CG</th> <th>SHO</th> <th>SV</th> <th>BS</th> <th>IP</th> <th>H</th> <th>R</th> <th>ER</th> <th>HR</th> <th>BB</th> <th>K</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2011 - <span>Brandon Beachy</span>
</td>
<td>7-2</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>131.1</td>
<td>115</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>152</td>
<td>3.43</td>
<td class="td-last">1.16</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix">
<table class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>G</th> <th>GS</th> <th>CG</th> <th>SHO</th> <th>SV</th> <th>BS</th> <th>IP</th> <th>H</th> <th>R</th> <th>ER</th> <th>HR</th> <th>BB</th> <th>K</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first">2011 - <span>Dillon Gee</span>
</td>
<td>12-6</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>150.1</td>
<td>133</td>
<td>78</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>108</td>
<td>4.37</td>
<td class="td-last">1.31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p><b>What To Watch For:</b></p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
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<img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.1939.gif">
<h2><span>Alex Gonzalez</span></h2>
<h4 class="player-position">#2 / Short Stop / <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a>
</h4>
<div class="player_info_body">
<p><label>Height:</label> 5-11</p>
<p><label>Weight:</label> 215</p>
<p><label>Bats:</label> R</p>
<p><label>Throws:</label> R</p>
<p><label>Born:</label> Feb 15, 1977</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>After not hitting well at all the first four months of the season, Alex Gonzalez looked like a new man against the Marlins earlier this week. While no one quite expects him to hit nearly .700 as he did in the last series, even a decent batting average with a few extra-base hits would be a big boost to the bottom-half of the lineup. It will be interesting if the veteran shortstop will be able to duplicate his success in this series.</p>
<p><b>Braves Lineup:</b></p>
<p>Bourn - CF</p>
<p>Chipper - 3B</p>
<p>Freeman - 1B</p>
<p>Uggla - 2B</p>
<p>McCann - C</p>
<p>Diaz - RF</p>
<p>Prado - LF</p>
<p>Gonzalez - SS</p>
<p>Lowe - P</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2011/9/16/2429732/braves-vs-mets-schedule-scores-mlb-playoff-raceScott Coleman