Kimbrel Blows Game in Ninth

Craig Kimbrel had converted 37 consecutive save chances but that ended on Tuesday afternoon in the first game of the Braves' doubleheader with the Nationals. After Monday's tragedy at Washington's Navy Yard, Monday's game was pushed back to Tuesday as part of a doubleheader and the Braves lost 6-5.
The Braves had nine hits in the game, while the Nationals only had four and they still won. Elliot Johnson and Andrelton Simmons had two apiece, Johnson also scored two runs. Evan Gattis hit a two-run shot, his 20th of the year, to give the Braves a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning. Dan Uggla had a pinch hit single to drive in a run and Freddie Freeman added an RBI with a sacrifice fly. Justin Upton, Brian McCann and Chris Johnson each added a hit in the loss.
Mike Minor started the game and had a rough first inning but settled down after that and didn't factor into the decision. He worked six innings and gave up three runs on three hits and struck out four. Luis Ayala worked a perfect seventh inning and then David Carpenter and Luis Avilan completed the eighth inning by striking out three batters. Kimbrel then entered in the ninth inning and gave up three runs, two earned, on one hit and two walks while recording only one out. It was his fourth blown save of the year and his record fell to 3-3.
The Braves are now 89-61 and they will play the Nationals tonight at 7:10 p.m. to complete the doubleheader. Freddy Garica (4-6) will start for the Braves against Tanner Roark (6-0) for the Nationals.

Evan Gattis hits a two-run homer to put the Braves on top 4-3 in the eighth inning. Atlanta eventually lost 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth though.
Photo Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports