When the Braves turned to pitcher Tim Hudson on Saturday for consecutive wins against the Mets, they were disappointed when the veteran was only able to last three innings. For the next game, the Braves looked to veteran John Smoltz to lead the way against the Mets, but were soon to be disappointed again as he only lasted four innings and the Braves lost 6-3. In those four innings the veteran gave up four earned runs and seven hits. Following the game, Smoltz in a press conference stated he thought his injury could be more serious than originally anticipated. It was the first time all season Smoltz did not dominate in his performance. It was only five days ago that the veteran gained his 3,000th strikeout in his start against the Marlins in which he struck out ten and gave up one run lasting seven innings. On the batting side of Braves play, the team had three earned runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Mets’ starter Nelson Figueroa. Once again though the bats fell short in the second loss to the Mets in this weekend’s series. Matt Diaz did break reliever Billy Wagner’s hitless ten inning streak in the Ninth with a single. Atlanta has today off before heading to Washington to face the Nationals. The Braves are once again turning to a veteran with Tom Glavine scheduled to start.
