Atlanta Braves third baseman Joe Mather (4) is forced out by Houston Astros shortstop Clint Barmes (12) on a Martin Prado ground ball in the second inning of a baseball game in Atlanta Monday, May 16, 2011. Atlanta won 3-2. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)ATLANTA – Fredi Gonzalez wouldn’t accept credit for bringing Eric Hinske and Joe Mather off Atlanta’s bench to start against the Houston Astros.
“That was the only option we had,” the Atlanta Braves manager said.
Hinske had three hits, including a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, and Mather had a two-run single as the Braves used a makeshift lineup to beat Houston 3-2 on Monday night.
Gonzalez subbed Hinske in left field and Mather in right as the Braves were missing third baseman Chipper Jones and right fielder Jason Heyward from their usual starting lineup.
“We’re just trying to fill in for the guys who are down right now,” Hinske said.