Welcoming back Nate McLouth was supposed to help the Braves get rolling, but although McLouth hit a pinch hit home run in the 6th, the rest of the offense was frustrated by the Reds' Bronson Arroyo in a 3-1 loss. The loss leaves the Braves four and half games back of the Rockies and in fourth place in the NL Wild Card race.
Braves Lose Escobar, Game to Reds
Furthering the bad news for the Braves is the fact that Yunel Escobar, the Braves' starting shortstop and team leader in batting average, had to leave the game with what appeared to be a sprained ankle.
Escobar was injured lunging to first base with his right foot while trying to beat out a throw from Arroyo, after hitting a liner that caromed off the pitcher. Escobar was hit by the throw and called for interference for running inside the baseline, which also brought baserunner Adam LaRoche back to first.
After taking the first two games from the Marlins in Florida on Monday and Tuesday, the Braves have now lost three straight.
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