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The Tomahawk Times - Marlins return favor, blank Braves 4-0
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MIAMI -- Atlanta Braves' manager Bobby Cox spent the evening watching his club take one on the chin Tuesday, but he did so from the visiting clubhouse. With their manager serving a one-game suspension, the Braves managed just one hit in a 4-0 loss to the Florida Marlins.
Braves' starter Charlie Morton (2-3) allowed just two hits, but four walks and some timely hitting by the Marlins made him pay. Mike Jacobs collected the first Florida hit in the fourth: a towering three-run homer that gave Florida a 3-0 lead.
"It is a learning process," said Morton of his start and the pitch Jacobs took out of the park. "I'm learning where I can get away with throwing pitches. It wasn't a good pitch - it just wasn't."
Royce Ring issued a bases loaded walk to John Baker in the sixth inning to close the book on Morton, who allowed four earned on the night.
Marlins starter Rick VandenHurk (1-1), making his first start since being recalled from Double-A Carolina, threw five hitless innings to pick up his first win since August 23, 2007. The righty from the Netherlands walked five and struck out seven.
Chipper Jones stroked single off Marlins reliever Joe Nelson to open the sixth inning, in what would prove to be the only Atlanta hit on the night.
There was some good news on the injury front for Atlanta. Rafael Soriano pitched for the first time since June 5, when elbow inflamation forced the righty reliever to the disabled list. Soriano hit 93 mph with his fastball and struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning.
Shortstop Yunel Escobar avoided a trip to the disabled list of his own, making his first start since July 9 and going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He had been nursing inflammation in his left shoulder.
Prior to the game, utility infielder Omar Infante was activated from the 15-day DL and Brent Lillibridge was optioned to Triple-A Richmond to make room on the roster.
On Deck: The Braves send Tim Hudson to the mound seeking his 11th win of the season. Florida will counter with Ricky Nolasco. Game time is set for 7:10 PM EST.
