Jair Jurrjens, who was 1-2 with an ERA of 1.95 in his last six starts, finally got some help from the Atlanta Braves offense. Led by Casey Kotchman’s three hits and three RBI, they built up a fast 6-1 lead through three innings en route to an easy 8-1 win over the Colorado Rockies. Starting pitcher Jurrjens impressed once again, striking out eight batters in seven innings. He allowed just one run on three hits and three walks. 69 of his 107 pitches were strikes. He is now 4-2 with an ERA of 1.96 this year. Only Zack Greinke, Johan Santana and Wandy Rodriguez have lower ERAs in the Majors.
Shairon Martis would have needed as much run support in his start against the Pirates on Tuesday. He gave up five runs on five hits and two bb in six innings, striking out two. Pittsburgh did most of the damage early on, building a 5-0 lead thru three frames. However the Nationals came back and tied the contest in the ninth, but lost anyway, as the Pirates scored three times in the top of the tenth in an 8-5 win. Martis remains 5-0 with the no decision, though is ERA increased to 4.53. 55 of his 85 pitches were strikes.