We’re still looking for a couple of mailbag questions for Friday. Let’s get to it. From the “7-Up Stinks Studios,” here we go…
Atlanta Braves’ Brian McCann, center, has dirt thrown on him by teammate Martin Prado, right, after McCann hit a walk off two-run home run as Dan Uggla looks on in the eleventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in Atlanta. Atlanta won 3-1. (AP Photo/David Goldman)Braves keep working late
Hey, is that Braves catcher Brian McCann entering the MVPBTASB (MVP before the all-star break) conversation? Why yes, yes it is. And a quick thanks to EC for the copyright freedom to use his acronym flexibility.
Anyhoo, the Atlanta Braves played their final late-night West Coast game of the regular season Tuesday, topping Seattle 5-4 in large part to McCann, who had a two-out, two-run single in the seventh that was the difference. He also threw out Adam Kennedy trying to take second on the back end of a double steal that stopped the Mariners’ threat in the seventh.
As we have discussed all season, Atlanta’s pitching has been stellar. And while Tommy Hanson allowed three runs (GASP!), the back end of the bullpen was lights out. Again. In fact, looking at the the ERAs of the five pitchers the Braves used Tuesday at it looks like a list of prices of kiddie meals at the Burger-Doodle. Hanson – 2.62; Sherill – 2.61; Proctor – 3.14; Venters – 1.26; Kimbrel – 2.70. And yes, those include small fries and a drink. Or even a juice box.