Atlanta Braves defeat Milwaukee Brewers 10-8 - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel records a save for the Atlanta Braves as they win 10-8 on April 13, 2012 against Milwaukee Brewers at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia.
It was a first win by the Braves in the absence of Chipper Jones, their third baseman, who was injured and went through surgery recently.
Game reflected a stunning turnaround from the first four defeats at the start of the season by the Braves.
Although their starter did not have the best of times, the offence turned out belligerent.
Catcher Brian McCann woke up from the slumber he was having in the season and with four hits in five at-bats he returned to his premier form.
Four RBIs and one homer he had signal positives for the Braves who were to experience demoralised feelings after Jones re-injured himself.
"I've been seeing the ball well all year long," McCann said. "I didn't have much to show for it until tonight. You've just got to stay the course and nights like this will happen."
The worry for the Braves remains their pitchers. Starter Jair Jurrjens gave up five runs including two homers in five innings.
Reliever Eric O’Flaherty who had a fair run support wasted an opportunity to capitalise on the pressure Brewers were under at the moment. In just one inning he conceded three runs.
If it was not for the Kimbrel and Jonny Venters who did not allow the Brewers to go on a rampage after levelling the score at the end of seventh, the result could have easily been different.
Game saw a tremendous amount of hits coming off from both sides. Brewers sent 13 of the 37 at-bats for hits while Braves managed 14 in 37 at-bats.
Repenting over not being able to control Braves in the bottom of the eighth, Francisco Rodriguez acknowledged that he was poor on the mound.
"I didn't get the job done," Rodriguez said. "That's all I can tell you. Just turn the page."
Apart from McCann, Dan Uggla stood out equally impressive for the Braves. He went 3 for 5, contributing three RBIs and completing one run, taking his batting average to .250 in the season.
Brewers had their left fielder Ryan Braun hitting thrice on five at-bats and bringing two RBIs.
Braves will be looking forward to the recovery of their star third baseman Chipper Jones. Although his absence will cost them in many ways, they must have enough from their existing strength to survive without him.
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