Braves Smash Pirates

The Atlanta Braves had a big 8th inning to blow open a close game witht he Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. It was Juir Jurrjens first Major league start and he was impressive. He had a shutout going through the first 5 innings as the Braves led 3-0. Juir then somewhat ran out of gas as he gave up a few hits in the Top of the 6th that led to 2 runs. He was pulled from the game in the 6th Inning and was hoping for the rest of his Braves teammates to hang on to the 1 run league so he could get his first win as an Atlanta Brave. They more than did this. It stayed 3-2 until the 8th when the Braves laid it on and added 7 runs. The Braves really needed this as they were 0-2 coming into this game and had had a few bullpen problems along the way. Mark Teixeira hit a two-run homer and Yunel Escobar added a three-run shot during the Braves huge 8th inning.

Player Profile: Yunel Escobar

Yunel Escobar came up as a rookie last season and really played well in all areas of his game. He played a lot of SS with Edgar Renteria being out and played so well that the Braves decided that Renteria was expendable this year, leaving Escobar as the Atlanta Braves starting Shortstop. He has not only played well defesively, but has the skills and instincts to be one of top hitting Shortstops in the National League. His batting coach Terry Pendelton feels like he can be a solid .300 hitter and he not only hits for average he also has a little pop in his swing. Escobar is a good young player and should be a good leadoff or #2 hole hitter in the Braves lineup this season.