Umm...this guy seems awfully familiar

The Braves (29-28) won the second game of a four game set versus Pittsburgh last night to climb over the .500 mark  for only the second time this season since April 16th.  Derek Lowe (7-3) notched his seventh win of the season, pitching seven strong innings while only allowing 3 earned runs. Yunel Escobar looks to be returning to form going 3 for 4 including the 2 run go ahead single in last night’s victory.

New Closer? He prefers the one hand point to the sky celebration

In what appears to be a possible reversal of roles, Mike Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth inning while Rafael Soriano got his 5th save of the season. Soriano has quietly been having a very impressive season thus far sporting these numbers (27IP 15H 3R 9BB 37SO 0.87 WHIP 0.98 ERA). The Braves continue their series with the Pirates later tonight (7Pm) and will send their young stud Jair Jurrjens (5-3 2.84era) to the mound in a faceoff versus the recetly acquired former brave Charlie Morton. For more info on the braves go to http://www.nleastchatter.com/BravesBaseballBlog/

All in favor say Aye

The Marlins (29-31) opened up a three game set with the Cardinals last night with a victory in dramatic fashion thanks to a walk off solo homerun off the bat of Jeremy Hermida in the bottom of the 9th. Josh Johnson (5-1) battled Chris Carpenter and received a no decision pitching seven strong innings while only allowing three runs. Marlins starting catcher John Baker was forced to leave the game early in the top of the 6th inning after a vicious swing by Albert Pujols knocked off his mask, leaving a cut over his left eye. The Marlins will continue their series vs the Cardinals tonight (7:10pm) in another good pitching match-up Chris Volstad (4-5 3.65era) vs. Adam Wainwright (5-4 3.35era).

Spelling Bee Champions?

The Nationals (15-41) opened their three game set with the Reds with a loss last night. In a day where Nationals fans had something to be hopeful for with the #1 pick Stephen Strasburg , scheduled starter Jordan Zimmermann was scratched from the game due to elbow soreness. One of their former #1 picks from the 2007 draft Ross Detwiler (0-3 5.06 era) stepped in and picked up his third loss of the season despite giving his team a “quality start” pitching six innings allowing three earned runs. Ryan Zimmerman continued his hot hitting going 2 for 4. The Nationals continue their series at home tonight (7:05 pm), rookie Shairon Martis( 5-1 5.31era) will take the mound vs. Aaron Harang (5-6 4.11era).