Tim Ellsworth

Braves rookie pitcher Macay McBride got out of a ninth inning, bases loaded, one out jam to preserve a 2-1 win for Atlanta Friday night. It was McBride’s first career save.

Atlanta took the lead over Pittsburgh in the seventh with a two-run single by Chipper Jones. Braves closer Chris Reitsma was unavailable in the ninth since he had pitched three days in a row, so Atlanta manager Bobby Cox turned to veteran Jay Powell. Powell’s second pitch sailed wildly outside as he fell off the mound in pain. It was eerily similar to what happened to Dave Dravecky. Powell’s injury was serious — either a broken arm or ligament damage in his elbow, most likely. He was taken to the hospital after the game.

John Foster relieved Powell and promptly walked Rob Mackowiak to lead off the inning, and Cox then turned to Jim Brower, who gave up a double to Jason Bay, moving Mackowiak to third. Brower struck out Brad Eldred for the first out, then walked Jose Castillo intentionally to load the bases.

McBride then relieved Brower, and he struck out Ryan Doumit before getting Tike Redman to ground out to second to end the game. Definitely a lot of drama in the ninth.

NOTES

– I spent a little bit of time with Braves pitcher Blaine Boyer tonight, but we didn’t cover as much ground as I want to. So, we’re going to talk some more tomorrow. He’s very gracious and accommodating. I also spoke briefly with John Smoltz and Chris Reitsma, and they each said they’d be happy to give me some time tomorrow or Sunday.

– I listened in as Smoltz was talking to another reporter. He’s a big golfer and is good friends with Tiger Woods, so this writer was asking him about that. I’m hoping to talk to him about whether he’s had any spiritual conversations with Tiger.

– The Pirates’ starting lineup tonight had a grand total of 50 home runs. When your 4-5-6 hitters are Brad Eldred, Jose Castillo and Humberto Cota, you just plain stink. My sympathies to Pittsburgh fans, who have struggled through serious stinkage for a long time now.

– McBride was obviously thrilled about the save, but he readily admitted he was nervous to enter such a close game. This was only McBride’s fourth appearance since getting called up last week. Blaine Boyer tells me he’s a believer as well, so he’s another one on my list to interview.

– Atlanta rookie outfielder Jeff Francoeur has “Joshua 1:9″ written on his batting gloves. The verse reads, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

That’s all for now. More tomorrow.