Three errors by the Atlanta Braves, a home run from Matt Holliday and a protest were some of the highlights in the Cardinals 6-3 Wild Card win over Atlanta. The Cardinals return home for games one and two of the Divisional Series against the Washington Nationals.
Chipper Jones playing in his final game threw away a double play ball in the fourth, which led to a three-run inning that wiped out Atlanta’s early 2-0 lead behind Kris Medlen. The Braves jumped out in front when catcher David Ross, who started as a defensive specialist, hit a two-run homer off Kyle Lohse.
Matt Holliday gave the Cardinals a 4-2 lead and they eventually led 6-3 in the eighth when things really got interesting.
It looked like the Braves would have the bases loaded with one out after the ball dropped between shortstop Pete Kozma and left fielder Holliday, who appeared to get mixed up over who had called for it. But left-field umpire Sam Holbrook called Andrelton Simmons out under the infield fly rule, even though the ball landed at least 50 feet beyond the dirt.
When the fans realized what had happened, they littered the field with beers cups, popcorn holders and other trash, leading to a 19-minute delay as the Cardinals retreated to their dugout. Braves manager Freddi Gonzalez put the game under protest, but that was denied by Major League Baseball.
Because of the delay, Mike Matheny lifted Mitchell Boggs with runners on first and second and two outs. Jason Motte walked the bases loaded, but got Michael Bourn to strike out after falling behind 3-1 in the count.
Atlanta put together another two out rally in the ninth after Chipper Jones reached on an infield single. Sam Freeman hit a ground rule double and with the tying run at the plate, Motte got Dan Uggla to ground out to second.