The Diamondbacks rolled into town on a hot streak, but were quickly cooled by Braves pitching.  Tim Hudson got more than a little help from his friends on defense in Sunday’s finale.  After giving up a one out triple to former Brave Kelly Johnson, a heads up pop foul/throw to home double play by Freddie Freeman kept the D-backs from scoring.

It goes without saying these days, if a starter has a lead going to the eighth inning, it is a safe bet pen can make sure they get the W.  Sunday was no different with Jonny Venters and his 1.11 ERA gave up a hit and no runs.  While closer Craig Kimbrel brought himself a save closer to the rookie record striking out three in the ninth.

The offense was much quieter, and eventhough Michael Bourn and Dan Uggla continue to hit, the lone Atlanta run came off the unlikely bat of Alex Gonzalez.  Gonzo has been the source of frustration for fans because of his lack of offense, but his homer in the third was enough for the win.  The sweep moves the Wild Card lead to eight games, and shaved the Phillies lead to six and 1/2.

Atlanta heads to Chicago to try to avenge two losses from just over a week ago.  Hopefully, Jair Jurrjens is sharper in his second start back from the DL, and the Braves look more like game one of the last Cubs vs Braves series- not the last two.  In other pitching news, Tommy Hanson is slated to throw a side session on the trip, and Peter Moylan is throwing in a rehab appearance at AAA Gwinnett.