Final
Blue Jays, Braves set shifts to Atlanta
May 29, 2013 - 2:36 PM (Sports Network) - After splitting a two-game set in Toronto, the Blue Jays and Braves travel south to Turner Field to begin another two-game series in Atlanta on Wednesday.Brian McCann, playing as the designated hitter, homered twice for Atlanta in Tuesday's 7-6 extra-innings victory. His solo shot in the 10th inning was the difference-maker. In the sixth inning, he went back-to-back with rookie Evan Gattis, who filled in admirably behind the dish through the season's first five weeks while McCann was recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Gattis leads the team with 32 RBI despite garnering only 20 plate appearances over Atlanta's last 11 games. Still, he has remained productive, with five home runs and 12 RBI in that span. With the series now shifting to a National League ballpark, it will be interesting to see how manager Fredi Gonzalez fills out his lineup card.
"We've got a good American League lineup," Gattis said. "We've got a lot of power guys."
Atlanta has won nine of 11 to open a 4 1/2-game lead over Washington in the NL East standings.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are looking to stay afloat in the AL East as they begin a seven-game road swing. They'll need continued production from right fielder Jose Bautista, who has raised his batting average from .195 to .299 since May 1. He is hitting .382 (34-for-89) for the month of May.
Esmil Rogers will make his first start since 2011 on Wednesday. Rogers has pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings over his last four appearances as a reliever for Toronto, and that includes back-to-back three-inning outings.
"I wasn't looking for the opportunity, but they gave it to me," Rogers said, adding that he'll need to use more than the three pitches he normally uses as a reliever. "I'll take it, and I'll try to do my best.
"They surprised me a little bit, but I know after getting the opportunity the last couple of games to throw three innings, I think they saw I can start, and they gave me the opportunity to start now."
For Atlanta, Kris Medlen will try to end an eight-start winless streak. Medlen has been tough to hit at home during his big league career, but he has not gotten much support from his offense this season. The right-hander gave up three runs over six innings in a road start against the Mets on Friday.
The Blue Jays have lost eight of nine in Atlanta.
- TORONTO: 3
ATLANTA: 0
Final
May 29 10:08 PM - Melky Cabrera singled to left scored Emilio Bonifacio and Munenori Kawasaki. Melky Cabrera advanced to second on the throw home. Runner on second with two outs and Jose Bautista due up.
Blue Jays 3, Braves 0 Top 2, 2 OutsMay 29 7:42 PM - J.P. Arencibia grounded into a fielder's choice, first to short scored Melky Cabrera. Edwin Encarnacion out at second. Runner on first with two outs and Colby Rasmus due up.
Blue Jays 1, Braves 0 Top 1, 2 OutsMay 29 7:22 PM - TORONTO: 0
ATLANTA: 0
Top 1, 0 Outs
May 29 7:12 PM
Related News
- 2023 Braves Season in Review: Raisel Iglesias Dec 26
- This Day in Braves History: Phil Niekro passes away Dec 26
- Merry Christmas Dec 25
- Christmas Day open thread Dec 25
- Happy Birthday Rickey Henderson Dec 25
- This Day in MLB History: December 25 Dec 25
- Hall of Fame Poll: David Wright Dec 24
- Christmas Eve open thread Dec 24
- This Day in Braves History: Milwaukee signs Rico Carty Dec 24
- This Day in Braves History: Milwaukee signs Rico Carey Dec 24
- Braves News: Holiday pause, season reviews, more Dec 24
- Hall of Fame Poll: Billy Wagner Dec 23