One of the few bright spots among Braves' pitchers in the week of games leading up to the All Star break was the work done by Jair Jurrjens.
In two games on the road (against the Cubs and the Rockies), Jurrjens delivered two high quality starts for a starting staff that has struggled to be more than just average for most of the season.
His work for the week (15.1 IP, 9 Hts, 2 ER, 14 K, 3 BB, 1.17 ERA) brought his win total to 8 and lowered his season ERA to 4.10. Manager Bobby Cox could not be more pleased with his number 2 starter.
"You almost hate to take a break when a guy like Jair is on fire like he is," Cox remarked after the series in Colorado. "You know, his pitching, Chipper's 27 game hit streak, Kotchman also had a big week with those homeruns....makes you want to keep playing. But, we do need the rest and the time to regroup a little...to get ready for the second half run."
The Braves are counting on Jurrjens and the other starters to turn it up a notch for their hopes to overtake the Mets and reach the top of the NL East. The four game series with New York immediately after the break could set the tone for the remainder of the year.
"It's obviously not do or die, "Cox continued, "but, a good series by our starters and pen against those powerful Mets' bats will go a long way in firing up our team and our fans for the run."
Box Scores
http://www.anpabaseball.com//gaba/news/html/box_scores/game_box_1825.html
http://www.anpabaseball.com//gaba/news/html/box_scores/game_box_1900.html
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