Mark Teixeira hit an RBI double in the first, but despire giving Atlanta an early lead, it would not be enough to help starter Tim Hudson lead the way against New York in the second game of the series. In the Third, Hudson would give up four runs and leave the game early. It was the second time in his past three starts that the veteran has left after only lasting three innings. Hudson was not the only veteran Atlanta was forced to play without as Chipper Jones, whose .433 batting average is a Major League best, was pulled from the lineup following back spasms. Jones was missed as he went 3 for 3 in his last showing against pitcher John Maine. Maine only gave up two runs and three hits in five innings of work. The effort by the Braves’ bullpen of holding the Mets scoreless went to waste in the 4-3 loss as the offense just was not able to come through with the bats. Tomorrow the Braves will turn to veteran John Smoltz as he takes the mound against Nelson Figueroa in the last game of the series.
