Message #199190

[2k6nats]

  Game Time: 1:05 pm    TV: MASN    Radio: WWWT 1500, 107.7 FM

John Lannan 0-1, 2.70 ERA	John Smoltz 1-0, 0.00 ERA
(SS) Cristian Guzman (CF) Lastings Milledge (3B) Ryan Zimmerman (1B) Nick Johnson (RF) Austin Kearns (SC) Paul LoDuca (2B) Ronnie Belliard (LF) Felipe Lopez (SP) John Lannan	Kelly Johnson (2B) Yunel Escobar (SS) Chipper Jones (3B) Mark Teixiera (1B) Jeff Francouer (RF) Brian McCann (SC) Matt Diaz (LF) Mark Kotsay (CF) John Smoltz (SP)

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One thing can be said about Lannan: He finds a way to right the ship
whenever he gets off to a slow start. Last Sunday afternoon was an
example of how Lannan battled back. He walked Brian Barton to lead off
the game and then gave up an RBI double to Rick Ankiel, but retired the
next eight hitters he faced. After looking shaky again in the third -- getting
two outs, then giving up a solo home run to Ankiel and walking the next
two hitters -- Lannan righted himself again and went on to pitch 6 2/3
innings, while giving up only seven hits. He struck out four and walked
three but took the loss in a 3-0 defeat.

Smoltz looked both impressive while recording six strikeouts in five
scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday afternoon. The
40-year-old hurler opted to cut his effort short after feeling some
tightness in between his neck and right shoulder. He experienced similar
discomfort in late March, but isn't concerned about missing this next
start. Along with a 96 mph fastball, he showed the Mets some curveballs
and backdoor sliders.