Braves halt 2 game skid with win against Aviators

Braves halt 2 game skid with win against Aviators The Braves dropped two over the weekend to the Marlins and then the Red Sox, and were looking to get back to their winning ways Tuesday at Riis. It took a few innings to get going, but the Braves eventually took control of the game. Nick Hirka took the mound for his 2nd start of the season against the Aviators. Prior to the game, Hirka vowed to shave his head if he suffered a loss, and fortunately he was spared that fate. He went 3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, and striking out 3 while walking two. In the 4th the Braves turned to hard thrower Sean Carney. Carney had been waiting for this opportunity all year. He came in and shut the door, notching his first save of the season. Carney went 3 innings, allowing just 1 hit. He struck out 3 while walking 2. This was a well-balanced attack on offense from the Braves, with each player earning a hit. Some of the highlights include: Carney going 3 for 3 with a single, double and triple. He scored 3 runs and drove in 2. Kris Couch chipped in with a 4 for 4 day, including 2 doubles. Couch drove in 4. Jim O'Brien had a 2 hit day and scored twice as well. And fresh off a weekend series with the Tijuana Potros of the Mexican League, Elio "Slammin Sammy" Benitez also had a multi-hit day. Benitez was 2 for 3 and had a sac fly to drive in a run. Benitez was down last weekend for a 3 game set in Puebla as the Potros took on the home team Pericos. Benitez is making quite a name for himself south of the border, the Braves were lucky to "steal" him from the Tijuana roster... Also of note, the Braves did not commit an error. The defense came up big a number of times during this one. Catcher Jeff Panagopoulos threw out a runner who had strayed too far off the bag at 1st in the 2nd inning. And a 3-6-3 double play started by the sure-handed Jim O'Brien was a nice end to the 4th inning. The Braves also got some nice outfield play from the likes of Sean Donnelly, Carney, Mike Carlin, and Dan "don't call me Dave" Holleman... However, the Braves can't celebrate their win too long, today they face the Vikings for a big game at Taft.