Braves Take Game One VS Pirates

The Braves are off to a good start in the 2nd half by beating Ian Snell and the Pirates 9-1. Beating Ian Snell is not an easy task, but the Braves made it look easy by scoring 7 runs off him (4 earned).

-Brian McCann was the player of the game, going 3-4 hitting two home runs and a double. He drove in 4 runs.

-Andruw Jones also had a home run. It was his 16th of the year.

-Willie Harris is currently having problems at the plate. His batting average has declined from .373 to .338 in a little more than a week of playing time. He may pick it back up, but his career numbers indicate that it is unlikely that he will continue to hit as well as he has been.

-Tim Hudson had another solid outing, going 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and no runs.

-Jose Ascanio was brought up from double A in place of Ledezma. Ascanio allowed 1 run on 3 hits and struck out 2 in one inning. Wil Ledezma damaged his visa when he forgot to remove it before washing his clothes. He is expected to return sometime next week.

-John Smoltz shoulder has been feeling better. If everything goes alright, he should be expected to return from the DL on scheduled time.

The Braves have another tough test tonight as they face lefty Tom Gorzelanny. Chuck James will be on the mound for Atlanta.