About the Author
Grant McAuley covers baseball for the Braves Radio Network. Over the past four seasons, McAuley has made daily contributions on his "Braves Insider" page for network flagship websites, 640 WGST and 94.9 The Bull as well as MLB.com's MLBlog site.
In 2006, McAuley penned a look back on the 14-consecutive Divisional Titles won by the Atlanta Braves, as part of a 1-hour show, voiced by long-time Braves broadcaster Skip Caray. The show highlights and honors the accomplishments of the team from 1991-2005. McAuley was also featured in ESPN Classic's "Top 5 Reason You Can't Blame," as they focused on Braves manager Bobby Cox in a show first airing in September of that year.
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The Tomahawk Times - Chipper, Kotsay return, but Phillies best Braves 8-3
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ATLANTA -- Despite the returns of Chipper Jones and Mark Kotsay, the Philadelphia Phillies got to starter Charlie Morton and dealt the Atlanta Braves an 8-3 loss on Tuesday.
The Phillies got a solid start from Kyle Kendrick (8-3), who pitched into the seventh to pick up the win. Kendrick allowed three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in six innings plus.
Morton (1-2) could not escape a four-run fourth inning by the Phillies, highlighted by a two-run homer off the bat of Shane Victorino. Run-scoring singles by Ryan Howard and Geoff Jenkins spelled the end of the day for Morton, who lasted just two innings and allowed five earned runs.
The Braves' offense finally went to work in the seventh, scoring three times to make it a 5-3 game. Philadelphia would take those three back in the ninth, tacking on three of their own off Blaine Boyer.
Jones' return went without incident. Around an hour before game time, Braves manager Bobby Cox revised his line-up and added Jones to his familiar number three spot. Jones went 1-for-3 with a walk.
After a back strain kept him sidelined for 33 games, Kotsay went 0-for-4 in his first action since May 25. His return shifted the suddenly surging Gregor Blanco to the starting duties in left field.
Victorino lead the Phillies offensive with a four-RBI night, including his third homer of the season. Philadelphia has now won four straight games against Atlanta at Turner Field, and improved to 6-1 against the Braves this season.
The Braves now trail the Phillies by five full games in the standings, with the Marlins and Mets between them.
On Deck: The Braves will look to get even with the Phillies on Wednesday, as Jorge Campillo takes on Adam Eaton in the middle game of this three game set. Game time is set for 7:10 PM EST.
