Final: Pirates 3, Braves 1
WP: James McDonald (7-4)
LP: Tim Hudson (9-7)
SV: Joel Hanrahan (29)
James McDonald gave up his fair share of hits today (8), but when you strike out 9 batters in 5 1/3 innings, you can afford to do that. McDonald’s stuff was just filthy at times tonight as he posted his 2nd consecutive scoreless outing in a pitcher’s duel at Turner Field.
McDonald did get himself into some trouble, though as he left the game with 1 out and the bases loaded in the 6th inning. However, Chris Resop would come on to get Nate McLouth (who had an absolutely terrible game) to pop up and would strike out Alex Gonzalez to hold Atlanta scoreless.
The Pirates started the scoring as Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez both walked to lead off the 2nd inning. They would both advance a bag on a fly ball to McLouth, who allowed Alvarez to take 2nd base thanks to a ill-advised throw to 3rd base. That would prove costly as Cedeno would ground a ball to third base to score McCutc...
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