The volatility of Mike Gonzalez

The Braves led the Rockies 5-4 through 6 innings last night, but could not hold on to the victory, losing 7-6. The usually solid bullpen duo of Peter Moylan and Mike Gonzalez did not do their jobs. Moylan gave up the tying run in the 7th and Gonzalez gave up 2 more runs in the 8th. Recently, Gonzalez has been good for two games then bad for one game. That pattern has shown over the last month or so. Tommy Hanson started the game and did not pitch well either. In 5 innings of work, Hanson gave up 4 runs and 6 hits. On the good side, Eric O'Flaherty pitched a high-leverage 2/3 of an inning in relief to keep the game tied after Moylan allowed the tying run. Jeff Francoeur was 3-for-4 with 3 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 RBI. The two teams play again tonight at 910p. Derek Lowe will pitch for the Braves and try to cut down his 6.00+ ERA since the beginning of June.