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Thursday, August 3, 2006
LaRoche ready for Reds?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At least there were a couple bits of good news for the Braves despite the 3-2 loss at Pittsburg on Thursday.
Adam LaRoche reported that his strained right hamstring feels better and Tim Hudson turned in what is considered a quality start for the first time since June 10.
LaRoche, hurt on Wednesday, insists that he will be available for the important weekend series in Cincinnati, although manager Bobby Cox will likely hold his first baseman out of the lineup for at least one more game.
The Braves need the hot-hitting LaRoche back playing regularly as soon as possible. But they need Hudson pitching like the old Oakland ace even more if they are going to make a playoff run.
Hudson (8-10) bounced back after giving up nine runs against the New York Mets last Saturday, but he was still much less than at the top of his game against the Pirates.
Hudson made it through six innings for the first time since July 8. But still struggled with his command, his pitches not showing the movement they once had.
After the Braves scored in the top of the first, he gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning. Then he allowed what proved to be the winning run in the sixth, although he was able to end the inning with a bases-loaded double play.
The Braves took two of three from the Pirates, although scoring just nine runs. Expect much high-scoring games in Cincinnati, where the Braves need to also win at least twice.
