The Braves defeated the Nationals 3-1 Wednesday night in Atlanta. In the process, Craig Kimbrel picked up his 41st save, setting a new record for most saves by a rookie, previously held by Neftali Feliz of the Rangers.
The Braves scored first on a solo home run by Chipper Jones to dead center in the 2nd inning. It was Chipper’s 14th homer this year and the 450th of his career(moving him past Jason Bagwell on the all time list).
In the third inning, Derek Lowe led off with the first home run of his career. Martin Prado then walked, took second on a passed ball, moved to third on Brian McCann’s groundout, then scored when Dan Uggla hit a ball to deep short and beat the throw to first, making the score 3-0.
Derek Lowe had a good game. Besides hitting the homer, he pitched 6+ innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 2 BB, and 6 Ks. His only misstep was giving up a lead off home run to Michael Morse to start the seventh inning. Eric O’Flaherty relieved Lowe and retired the side to end the seventh. Jonny Venters pitched a perfect eighth.
Then Kimbrel came on in the ninth. He struck out Jason Werth, got Ryan Zimmerman to fly out, then set the record by striking out Morse with a 100 mph pitch to end the game.
News: Matt Diaz went 2-3 in his return to Atlanta. The Braves also acquired infielder Jack Wilson from the Seattle Mariners. The Braves placed LH George Sherrill on the 15 day DL with an elbow issue.
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