Sep 28 2008
Anderson’s dingers lead Braves past Astros
By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com
Braves 11, Astros 5
Top of the Order: Josh Anderson’s two homers highlighted an 18-hit attack as the Braves staved off the 90-loss plateau, scoring nine times in the first two innings.
The Good: Gotta start with Anderson, who hit .358 in 21 games for Houston last September. He continues to bash his former team, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBIs. He had plenty of help offensively. Brent Lillibridge is actually starting to hit a little bit, the kid going 2-for-5 with a double, a triple and two RBIs. Jeff Francoeur wakes up this morning with his average at .240 following a 3-for-5 night. Frenchy, who has looked more like Frenchy this month, scored three runs and drove in three. Martin Prado, Kelly Johnson, Brandon Jones and Casey Kotchman each finished with two hits. BJ drove in three runs. Vladimir Nunez got the win, pitching 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Manny Acosta struck out the side in his one inning of work. Jorge Julio and Mike Gonzalez each pitched a scoreless inning.
The Bad: Staked to a 9-0 lead entering the bottom of the second, James Parr couldn’t go the required five innings to pick up the victory. Parr gave up eight hits and five runs (four earned) with two walks in 4 1/3. Lillibridge made an error, leading to an unearned run. Chipper Jones flew out as a pinch-hitter, but Hoss carries his major-league leading .364 average into the final day. And, oh yeah, the Dogs lost in Athens and the Mets still may make the playoffs. Bad, bad stuff there, folks.
View from the Sports Garage: When the Braves leave Houston after today’s game, Anderson may stay behind. Dude loves the place apparently. He played well enough there last September to catch the Braves’ interest; Atlanta traded for him in the offseason. And in two games there this weekend, Anderson has played very, very well. Obviously a great night for the offense, and it’s great to see the young kids and Frenchy hitting the ball well as we reach Game No. 162 today. Yep, we’re at the finish line. Here’s hoping this time next season, the Braves will be preparing for the playoffs instead of heading into the offseason. But first, one more game to go before we begin what very well may become a franchise-defining offseason. A win today would keep the Braves from reaching 90 losses. Granted, 73-89 sucks, but it’s better than 72-90.
On deck
Braves at Astros
2:05 p.m. today, Minute Maid Park
The Skinny: We’ve finally made it. This long, depressing season concludes today with what likely will be the final appearance in a Braves’ uni for Mike Hampton (3-3, 4.88 ERA). Provided Hampton doesn’t get hurt today, expect somebody to sign the veteran lefty in the offseason for more money than the Braves are willing to toss his way. He’s been plenty good since coming back from his nearly three-year absence. For the Astros, lefty Wandy Rodriguez (8-7, 3.73 ERA) gave up two unearned runs in five innings Tuesday at Cincinnati, his first start since Sept. 7.
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