Atlanta Braves outclass Tampa Bay Rays 5-3 as Tommy Hanson throws seven innings - MLB Update
Starter Tommy Hanson throws seven innings and Craig Kimbrel saves to help the Atlanta Braves win 5-3 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida on May 18, 2012 in first game of the three match series.
As season progresses, the Braves are witnessing improved performances from their pitchers. Earlier it was an offence, which kept them afloat and ensured an enviable position on Division table, now rotation has joined the party.
Continuing from a shut-out game thrown by their ace Brandon Beachy, Hanson held the mound and went through seven innings. While he was not as perfect as Beachy was, he gave up two runs and struck-out three.
Talking about his performance, what turned out the most special thing for him was his fastball. By fine-tuning his command, he can become one of the most formidable hurlers and thus can lift relatively weaker rotation with the Braves.
''I feel real good,'' Hanson said. ''I think the biggest thing right now is my fastball command. When it's there, I'm throwing really well and everything else kind of follows that.''
First baseman Freddie Freeman faced five at-bats and made two hits. As he contributed two RBIs, he improved his on-base percentage to .335.
What differentiates the Braves from other teams in Division is consistency with which their offence is performing. Left fielder, Martin Prado is in almost every game hitting and completing runs.
Third-baseman Chipper Jones is making the most of his last season. Despite not being regular in the line-up, he is living up to his mastery as a hitter.
He went 1-for-3 in the game, keeping his slugging percentage at .485.
By the time Kimbrel was given the job in the ninth, the Braves had two runs lead. With a little rough up on the mound he may have blown it. Credit to him, he stood there firm and registered his twelfth save of the season.
The Braves are now two games ahead the Washington Nationals in terms of the number of wins.
This victory has strengthened their top position on table. By starting a long winning streak from now onward, they can take their position to an unassailable level.
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