(Sports Network) – Brandon Beachy hasn’t lost in about two months, and today the Atlanta righty hopes to move the Braves closer to securing the National League wild card berth.
The Braves won 1-0 yesterday against the New York Mets on the strength of a Chipper Jones RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning. The victory, coupled with St. Louis’ loss at Philadelphia, widened Atlanta’s lead to 4 1/2 games over the Cardinals in the wild card standings. Last night’s result at Citizens Bank Park also officially eliminated Atlanta from winning the NL East, but now the Braves can focus on making the playoffs for a second straight season after a four-year break.
Despite not garnering a decision in each of his last three starts, Beachy is unbeaten in his last 10 appearances (4-0) and hasn’t lost since July 19 at Colorado. The Braves have been on the losing end in each of his last three outings. This will be his first game vs. the Mets.
The Mets will try to break a string of losses in Dillon Gee’s last three appearances in the rubber match of this three-game series. The righty was beaten by the Braves 5-1 on September 8 and he didn’t get a decision in his most recent start, Tuesday against Washington when he allowed six hits and a pair of runs over 5 2/3 innings.
Tim Hudson (15-10) tossed eight scoreless innings for the win yesterday. He allowed four hits and walked two while striking out 10 batters. Craig Kimbrel struck out the side in the ninth to earn his 45th save of the year.
“I think this was a huge win. Losing wasn’t an option today,” Hudson said. “We didn’t get much, but we got enough.”
Martin Prado was the only batter besides Jones to record a hit for the Braves, winners in three of their last four games.
R.A. Dickey (8-13) allowed the game’s lone run on three hits and six walks through 7 2/3 innings for the loss.
“You know you’re going to be in for a battle when [Hudson] pitches usually,” Dickey said. “You can either be afraid of the challenge or try to embrace it. I’ve always tried to embrace it.”