Chipper homers in eighth to give Braves W

Sports - December 09, 2007Chipper Jones jumped on a high pitch by Chicago Cubs reliever John Grabow and deposited it into the stands giving the Braves a 3-2 lead. Not only did the two-run home run give the Braves a late inning lead but you could feel a season of frustration being let off the veteran third baseman’s shoulders.

While Cub fans may question manager Lou Pinella’s decision to use Grabow in the eighth after Sean Marshall another lefty recorded two strike outs in the seventh but the manager was simply using his players in the way any other manager in the game would.

The Cubs managed two runs off Braves starter Jair Jurrjens in the fifth. Aided by Jurrjens sudden loss of control and an error by first basemen Troy Glaus. Glaus would atone for his error an inning later when he snared a line drive off the bat of Marlon Byrd and then doubled up Aramis Ramirez off first.

The homer by Jones was one of five hits for the Braves on the night. Prior to Jones’ homer second basemen Martin Prado hit a double.

Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster was dominating on the mound. The 32-year-old righty was on throwing six innings allowing a run, three hits and two walks while recording nine strike outs.

Jason Heyward was one of the few bright spots against Dempster as he doubled in Brian McCann in the bottom of the second.

Billy Wagner recorded a strikeout of Marlon Byrd to start the ninth before giving up a single to Alfonso Soriano. He thre retired Xavier Nady and Geovany Soto with back to back strike outs.

The third and final game of the series will by played tomorrow.  Randy Wells will be on the mound for the Cubs and Tommy Hanson for the Braves.

John Boarman
John Boarmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

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