GDT: #76 8:10 EST (Wood) Braves @ (McHugh) Stros'.

[UNCBlue012]

Braves Lineup:
1. BJ Upton CF
2. La Stella 2B
3. Freeman 1B
4. Gattis C
5. Heyward RF
6. Justin Upton LF
7. Chris Johnson 3B
8. Doumit DH
9. Simmons
Wood (3.43) LHP

Astros Lineup:
1. Fowler CF
2. Altuve 2B
3. Springer RF
4. Singleton 1B
5. Dominguez 3B
6. Castro C
7. Carter DH
8. Hoes LF
9. Villar SS
McHugh (2.76) RHP

Yesterday's win wasn't beautiful, but it's a win! We need to keep it going and I think Wood is the perfect guy to rise to the occasion. Surprisingly enough, BJ actually looked decent yesterday. He had the homer, but he didn't strike out and made solid contact. Let's hope it continues today! I'm happy to see Gattis continue to play, as he catches today and is behind the plate tonight. Doumit will take over the DH role and bat 8th. I like this lineup a lot more than yesterday.

This McHugh guy has actually been pretty solid this year, so we will need to jump on him early and often. Hopefully the offense gets going tonight!

Oh, and the Nats are getting pounded 9-2 in the top of the 7th, so I hope we can pick up a game there! The proclaimed Ace of their staff gave up 7 runs in 4.2 innings, raising his ERA to 3.70. Yes, he's an Ace. lol

As always, GO BRAVOS!

[nsacpi]

Wood is good, but we're going to miss the massive presence of Harang and Laird.

[NinersSBChamps]

Expecting giant sized things from Doumit.

[NinersSBChamps]

Went final in Milwaukee. Time to pick up a full game on Washington.

[tomahawkchop10]

So excited to have Wood up again...also great to see Alex back in the rotation ;)

Let's pick up that game on Washington! Go bravos. :tchop:

[CyYoung31]

Hopefully BJ can lead off with a bang to help ease the pressure on Wood.

[Fredi Gonzalez]

Hopefully BJ can lead off with a bang to help ease the pressure on Wood.

All he has to do is BOlieve.

[tomahawkchop10]

Our leadoff hitter has a 272 obp...I'm just saying.

[thewupk]

BJ SO to start the game. No surprise there.

[thewupk]

Our leadoff hitter has a 272 obp...I'm just saying.

And our #2 hitter is like 2 for his last 30.

[thewupk]

That was a pathetic inning.

[Five]

Looked like a missed tag

[UNCBlue012]

I love Alex Wood. The man can just pitch. Let's hope he continues to do well.

[NinersSBChamps]

1-0

Braves manufacture a run!!!

[thewupk]

nice ABC baseball there

[UNCBlue012]

I love the simple fundamentals there. Good stuff.

[NinersSBChamps]

CJ smacked that circular white thing.

[UNCBlue012]

Jeez, Chris smoked that. I love watching the guy hit when he's on.

[UNCBlue012]

Dude, I knew B-Mac wasn't doing well, but I didn't realize he was hitting around .220. Holy Crap. While Gattis is hitting a cool .292 with an OBP around .345. Wow.

[Tapate50]

Dude, I knew B-Mac wasn't doing well, but I didn't realize he was hitting around .220. Holy Crap. While Gattis is hitting a cool .292 with an OBP around .345. Wow.

It was a blessing in disguise. Well, not very disguised .

[Tapate50]

Way to make your work efficient Wood!

[UNCBlue012]

It was a blessing in disguise. Well, not very disguised .

As in, everyone could see it coming yet the Yankees gambled anyways. I do hope Mac picks it up. I've always loved the guy. Prototypical Brave.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wood's innings last about as long as.....


Fill in the blank.

[NinersSBChamps]

Tonight seems like a multi hit game for Simba.

[UNCBlue012]

Tonight seems like a multi hit game for Simba.

Welp

[NinersSBChamps]

This guys curveball is nasty.

[mfree80]

We all loved LaStella when he was hitting .400. Are we worried now that he is under .100 for the last ten games?

[NinersSBChamps]

Yes. Yes.

That is ejaculation in my pants.

[NinersSBChamps]

Good at bat, Tommy.

[Tapate50]

That curve is disgusting.

[Tapate50]

Atta boy Stella!

[yeezus]

Feels nice to be getting good Wood again.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wow this game is flying by.

[yeezus]

Wood with 49 pitches through 5. Crazy. First start back in the bigs.

[NinersSBChamps]

It's a win when BJ doesn't strikeout.

[NinersSBChamps]

It was a bad call. However Tommy has been terrible lately.

[TDlxANDER]

Wood

[The Chosen One]

Lol umpire.

[tomahawkchop10]

On my way to get dinner, pitch track had the two called strikes to tommy being wayyyy off??

[NinersSBChamps]

Stupid decision by Freeman.

[Tapate50]

Need a good pitch here

[yeezus]

The Astros announcers aren't bad at all. And their broadcast shows sabermetric stats.

[NinersSBChamps]

Strong Wood!

[nsacpi]

That last changeup to Singleton was absurd.

[NinersSBChamps]

Some runs would be nice.

[nsacpi]

The Astros announcers aren't bad at all. And their broadcast shows sabermetric stats.

Too bad some of the numbers seemed wrong.

[yeezus]

It was a bad call. However Tommy has been terrible lately.

He still works counts pretty consistently, which can only really be said about Heyward on this team.

[yeezus]

Too bad some of the numbers seemed wrong.

Did they? Interesting, I didn't really see them for a long time and examine them.

[NinersSBChamps]

He still works counts pretty consistently, which can only really be said about Heyward on this team.

Yes that's true. Can't complain though. The alternatives are far worse.

[nsacpi]

J Up

[yeezus]

LET'S GO JUSTIN!!!!!

[NinersSBChamps]

Some runs would be nice.

Thanks.

[The Chosen One]

Woot.

[UNCBlue012]

Hi justin. He's back

[Garmel]

Justin's getting hot again.

[MadduxFanII]

How cool is it to once again see the Justin Upton Homerun Strut?

[yeezus]

How cool is it to once again see the Justin Upton Homerun Strut?

I love it. It pisses me off when players do it to us, but I think it's part of the game and should be done if a player desires. Justin's is also pretty mild and not too offensive. Puig like tosses his bat to the roof when he hits it to the warning track.

[TDlxANDER]

"Justin Upton hits one...into the night." -Chip as the ball goes into the Astros bullpen.

[Julio3000]

How cool is it to once again see the Justin Upton Homerun Strut?

very, very cool

[MadduxFanII]

I love it. It pisses me off when players do it to us, but I think it's part of the game and should be done if a player desires. Justin's is also pretty mild and not too offensive. Puig like tosses his bat to the roof when he hits it to the warning track.

Justin struts, then breaks out into a run. It's never once burned him. He has a rather unerring eye for his homers.

[MadduxFanII]

"Justin Upton hits one...into the night." -Chip as the ball goes into the Astros bullpen.

Maybe one of the Astros' relievers is Batman.

[bravesnumberone]

Fredi be trolling us hitting him sixth.

[NinersSBChamps]

Fredi be trolling us hitting him sixth.

And CJ is batting almost .400 the last two and a half weeks and is batting 7th.

[The Chosen One]

Why is Simmons warming up? Wood can get a cgso at this rate.

[yeezus]

ANother quick inning by Wood. It's just the Astros but at least he's taking care of business.

[Julio3000]

"Justin Upton hits one...into the night." -Chip as the ball goes into the Astros bullpen.

Or, yannow, up into the Astros' bullpen. Whichever.

[NinersSBChamps]

Or, yannow, up into the Astros' bullpen. Whichever.

Or up into my left nostril.

[Ampere]

Why is Simmons warming up? Wood can get a cgso at this rate.

Wood only made two starts in the minors. His last outing he only threw 75 pitches. They are probably still stretching him out and might want to keep him around 90 pitches tonight, so eight innings might be it for Wood.

Although it is a little early bullpen start for the ninth.

[Julio3000]

Or up into my left nostril.

The trains in Houston have him thinking about toots and rails.

[MadduxFanII]

I like to think that the Astros have named that train "Blaine."

[NinersSBChamps]

The trains in Houston have him thinking about toots and rails.

All aboard!!!

[The Chosen One]

Bj... I want to see you do well but I also want to see you fail so you aren't the permanent leadoff hitter... and so Shanks stops writing articles about you on the entire front page of scout.

[NinersSBChamps]

Any idea on the trivia question?

[The Chosen One]

Forgot Downs pitched for us.

[The Chosen One]

Any idea on the trivia question?
What's the quest?

[yeezus]

Uhh?? That was a balk?

[MadduxFanII]

What's the quest?

I seek the holy grail.

[jsebe10]

God I love "Balk a day Bob:...Thank you, Sir..

[yeezus]

Nice, always nice to add more runs.
Let's get our differential back to a good place!

[NinersSBChamps]

Bj... I want to see you do well but I also want to see you fail so you aren't the permanent leadoff hitter... and so Shanks stops writing articles about you on the entire front page of scout.

Have you not learned anything from watching Fredi this season? BJ was putrid all year and he stayed in the second spot. If he continues to be a .210 hitter with an OBP that is under .300 why would Fredi move him? He moves him UP in the order.

[The Chosen One]

Good confidence boost for TLS.

[NinersSBChamps]

What's the quest?

Last Astros rookie to have 50 RBI in a season.

[yeezus]

Forgot Downs pitched for us.

Different Downs.

[NinersSBChamps]

Forgot Downs pitched for us.

Scott Downs?

[Julio3000]

2 XBH in the last two nights probably = 2 more weeks at the top of the order.

[The Chosen One]

Last Astros rookie to have 50 RBI in a season.

Ensberg. Or Pence.

[jsebe10]

Relax folks...Just probably a "precautionary xray"...

[USMA76]

So who plays first base if Freeman misses any significant playing time--Doumit, perhaps?

[NinersSBChamps]

Ensberg. Or Pence.

Pence seems like a good choice.

[yeezus]

Yes, challenge. He was safe.

[The Chosen One]

Lmao Pena. Fail as defensive replacement. Fail as pinch runner.

[jsebe10]

Ensberg. Or Pence.

haha ole Ensberg....I forgot about that kid...Was he a possible Roid Candidate? I know he was old as hell

[atl717]

Where did Freeman get hit? Plz be okay?

[jsebe10]

Last Astros rookie to have 50 RBI in a season.

Imma say Bagwell...

[jsebe10]

Where did Freeman get hit? Plz be okay?


Right tricep...he looked fine...gonna be tender as hell tomorrow though

[Ampere]

Gattis played some first last year didn't he?

[MadduxFanII]

God dammit, Pena.

[Julio3000]

I can't believe that no one has mentioned that Wood has dominated Hoes tonight.

[The Chosen One]

Let's see if CJ is a worse first baseman than he is 3rd.

[atl717]

Right tricep...he looked fine...gonna be tender as hell tomorrow
though

Thanks just glad it's not the hand or wrist. Cannot lose him.

[NinersSBChamps]

Wood was at like 85 pitches. Why the **** is he not pitching.

[TDlxANDER]

Chip loves saying LJ Hoes

[atl717]

Great start by Wood, happy to see him back in the rotation.

[Ampere]

Wood was at like 85 pitches. Why the **** is he not pitching.

He only made two starts in the minors stretching out. His last one was only 75 pitches. I guess they wanted to keep him under 90 today.

[jsebe10]

I can't believe that no one has mentioned that Wood has dominated Hoes tonight.

Dude you know the deal....

No pitcher can set down any hoes until Chip fcks em first...

[The Chosen One]

Simbrel seems to be a bit more pitch efficient than Kimbrel.

[atl717]

Wood was at like 85 pitches. Why the **** is he not pitching.

It's his first start, he's not completely stretched out. Don't need to push him with a 4 run lead.

[The Chosen One]

No idea how Ramiro convinced anybody he's a steady defensive replacement.

[Julio3000]

Gameday had pitches 5 and 6 to Villar as missing way off. Effectively wild in that AB?

[NinersSBChamps]

He only made two starts in the minors stretching out. His last one was only 75 pitches. I guess they wanted to keep him under 90 today.

They said he was good for 100.

[Julio3000]

It's pretty amazing how Simmons has slotted in as a setup guy. I'd still like to get another BP arm, though.

[nsacpi]

Shae Simmons makes it look so easy. He's one relaxed looking guy out there.

[The Chosen One]

It's pretty amazing how Simmons has slotted in as a setup guy. I'd still like to get another BP arm, though.

Venters is going to be huge if he can contribute anything.

[NinersSBChamps]

Venters is going to be huge if he can contribute anything.

In 2015.

[Julio3000]

I'd be awesome if he had anything to offer. A power lefty would be Harang-level huge.

[jsebe10]

Can I say it? I am going to say it....fck it

2nd BEST HITTING CATCHER IN THE NL

[Julio3000]

J-Hey's propensity for grounding out to the right side has worked tonight.

Fredi grins.

[The Chosen One]

Is fredi going to troll and put Walden out?

[The Chosen One]

Jaime reminds me of Kenley Jansen.

[sturg33]

Chip just jizzed his pants at Heyward's ground out

[jsebe10]

Chip just jizzed his pants at Heyward's ground out

Funny you say that...

He did the same when Mike Trout was in town

[jsebe10]

Damn that boy can bring it

[sturg33]

Whats the story on this guy?

[jsebe10]

Whats the story on this guy?

I was wondering the same...

Apparently he has had some control issues and has played for a few different teams

[The Chosen One]

Whats the story on this guy?

Another Wren gem.

[TURBO]

http://li.c-b.co/is/image/LandOfNod/Letter_Giant_Enough_W_234214_LL/$web_zoom$&wid=550&hei=550&/1308310656/not-giant-enough-letter-w.jpg

[The Chosen One]

"Jaime at the knees at 98". Sounds like a Chip special.

[UNCBlue012]

Wiinnnnnn

[Julio3000]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff511/poinsett/84235576-69a8-489e-8ff4-315329bf1804_zps7d5d95d7.jpg

Staved off elimination one more night. Only half a season more to dodge it.

[Julio3000]

"Jaime at the knees at 98". Sounds like a Chip special.

Depends, how old is Jaime?

[jsebe10]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff511/poinsett/84235576-69a8-489e-8ff4-315329bf1804_zps7d5d95d7.jpg

Staved off elimination one more night. Only half a season more to dodge it.

lol you ever noticed in the background that this pic was taken in Houston?

[Julio3000]

lol you ever noticed in the background that this pic was taken in Houston?

Sure. That's probably why Chip has an AK and a larger-than-usual pile of blow.

[rico43]

Jaime is in need of a good nickname. He's MFIKY without the stare.


http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Juan+Jaime+Atlanta+Braves+Photo+Day+tDL5XuuV420l.j pg

[mossy]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/JamieSanders/fredi2_zpsea700d25.png (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/JamieSanders/media/fredi2_zpsea700d25.png.html)

Series win!!

[Julio3000]

Jaime is in need of a good nickname. He's MFIKY without the stare.


http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Juan+Jaime+Atlanta+Braves+Photo+Day+tDL5XuuV420l.j pg

John James?

[thewupk]

Really need to take advantage of playing the Astros and then the Phillies this weekend even though they just swept us. Hopefully can take 5 out of 6 combined. Good start with the first two from Houston.

[CrimsonCowboy]

http://i.imgur.com/P6x0U.gif

[yeezus]

Would be huge to sweep a team right now. I'll be at Friday night's game and and Saturday's day game to bring good luck.

[thethe]

Hopefully Woods innings by the end of the year are still in line with the projections. He is filthy.

[bravesnumberone]

Really need to take advantage of playing the Astros and then the Phillies this weekend even though they just swept us. Hopefully can take 5 out of 6 combined. Good start with the first two from Houston.

Next 18 games are against teams below .500 I believe. We really should win 12 of those at least, if not more.

[rico43]

John James?

Good. I thought of Jimmy Jam, but that's taken.

[yeezus]

Next 18 games are against teams below .500 I believe. We really should win 12 of those at least, if not more.

It's a good opportunity. Have to beat the good teams at some point, too.

[GovClintonTyree]

Jaime is in need of a good nickname. He's MFIKY without the stare.


http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Juan+Jaime+Atlanta+Braves+Photo+Day+tDL5XuuV420l.j pg

Reminds me of The Octopus. Anybody count his digits?

[TDlxANDER]

J-Hey's propensity for grounding out to the right side has worked tonight.

Fredi grins.

#lineupconstruction

[nsacpi]

Fredi has been a master psychologist so far in the Astros series. And his bullpen usage has been good too, with a minor quibble about Varvaro in the 7th in the first game. Fredi is getting hot at the right time. I can see him and Laird and Harang carrying this team the rest of the way.