Lucky Thirteen

Braves Update:
It took 13 innings, but the Braves managed to notch another victory, taking out the Giants 7-5. Tim Hudson threw 8 2/3 great innings before watching his four run lead disappear thanks to another blown save by Bob Wickman. The relief pitching of Oscar Villarreal, Peter Moylan and Tyler Yates allowed the Braves to keep the game going and a two run double by Edgar Renteria put it out of reach for the Giants. The Braves continue their series with Chuck James taking on Noah Lowry. Watch the action live on TBS at 10:15 PM/est.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 3
Games above .500: 7
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Rumors have the Atlanta Braves as the leading contender in the Mark Teixeira race. The power hitting first baseman has been the hottest ticket on a very thin trade market. But the Braves would have to deal Jarrod Saltalamacchia and probably a young pitcher. To make matters worse, Teixeira would be a free agent at the end of the season and would be looking for at least $11 million a season. Dealing Salty for an $11 million player seems like a bad idea to me.

NASCAR Update:
The merger between Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Ginn Racing has been completed. The #01, #1, #8 and #15 will race under the DEI banner with Mark Martin and Aric Amirola sharing time in the #01. The #15 will gain the points of the #13 which has raced all season and will guarantee Paul Menard a starting spot under the top 35 rule. No word on the status of Regan Smith who earlier was announced as the permanent driver for the #14 car, which along with the #13 has been shelved for this weekend.

News & Notes: It's always fun when the pitcher hits a homerun, especially if the team wins. Bronson Arroyo hit one out of the park for the Cincinnati Reds before the all-star break and now John Maine can add his name to the list of homerun hitting pitchers after hitting his first career long ball on Tuesday night in the Mets 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates...Craig Biggio announced his impending retirement at the end of the season and then hit a grand slam to break up a 3-3 tie in the Houston Astros 7-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers...Matt Leinart was called out by his baby's mama, Brynn Cameron for his lack of visitations. Matt responded that he tries to see his son Cole as much as possible. Maybe Brynn and Matt can join Brian Urlacher and his baby's mama, Tyna Robertson at parenting classes...Finally, a BALCO chemist, Patrick Arnold, told HBO Sports' Bob Costas that Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield took performance-enhancing drugs. I just can't believe the news! I mean it's only the 337th time I've heard that Bonds has taken the juice.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate