Playing better to end the year

The Braves used a 5-run sixth inning to beat the Rockies last night 8-4. Jair Jurrjens got his team-leading 13th win by pitching 6 innings, giving up 4 runs and striking out 10 Rockies hitters. Jorge Julio, Julian Tavarez, and Mike Gonzalez all pitched one shutout inning each. Yunel Escobar was 3-for-3 with 3 RBI, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. He is batting .410 during the streak. Gregor Blanco was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. Chipper Jones was 1-for-4 and is batting .362 for the season. He and Albert Pujols are neck-and-neck for the batting title. Jeff Francouer left 8 men on base on Thursday as he is still struggling at the plate. The player of the week for the Braves has to be Kelly Johnson. Johnson extended his hitting streak to 10 games last night. He is batting .463 during the streak.