Phoenix, AZ – Tommy Hanson pitched seven strong innings as the Atlanta Braves took a 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third of a four-game set.
Hanson (2-2) gave up just two runs on five hits with a walk and seven strikeouts to help the Braves win their fifth straight game. Martin Prado and Chipper Jones each drove in a run while Dan Uggla's solo homer in the third proved to be the winner.
"At the end of the year, I think we will be know for our pitching, that's what has been the constant here in the Atlanta Braves organization," said Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez. "We got a bunch of pennants up in the stadium of ours, most of the that the common domoninator in that is good pitching and good defense. I think at the end of the year, that is what we will be known for."
Jason Kubel hit a solo homer and Miguel Montero drove in a run for the Diamondbakcs, who dropped their fifth straight game. Joe Saunders (1-1) gave up three runs -- two earned -- on six hits over seven innings to take the loss.
"I felt good, the first inning again was a little dicey and I just tried to minimize the damage," said Saunders. "I gave up that home run to Uggla and that was kind of the difference, especially against a team like that, you get to their bullpen that's going to be real tough. We played our butts off tonight and just came up one run short."
The teams traded runs in the first inning as a bases loaded walk from Chipper Jones plated Michael Bourn in the top half and Miguel Montero grounded out in the bottom portion to score Gerardo Parra.
The Braves scored again in the second when Prado singled in Jack Wilson, who had led off with a single and moved up a base on each of the next two batters. Kuble, though, led off the second with his first homer of the year.
Uggla put the Braves on top for good in the third with a one-out homer to left, his second of the season.
After allowing two runners in the third, Hanson set down the next 12 batters in order.
Jonny Venters struck out the side in the eighth and Craig Kimbrel did the same in the ninth for his fifth save of the season.
Game Notes
Atlanta pitchers totaled 13 strikeouts in the game...Atlanta has won six straight against Arizona...Hanson improved to 2-1 in four games against Arizona...Saunders fell to 1-1 in three starts against Atlanta.
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