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Nady, Pirates Outlast Braves in 12

Bullpens are horrific for both teams in marathon affair

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tom Glavine left his first game back with Atlanta with a 4-2 lead after five innings, but that's when things were just getting started. The Braves' bullpen would quickly cough up that lead, before the Pirates relievers outshamed them, giving up five runs in the ninth inning, thanks to four walks and a defensive gaffe by outfielder Jason Bay, but eventually won in 12 thanks to a three-run homer by Xavier Nady, writes AP.

Nady ended the night 4-for-7 with two home runs and four RBI. His first long ball was part of a four-run eighth that gave the Pirates what they probably thought was an insurmountable lead before their dreadful ninth frame. The Braves' pen, meanwhile, went through eight relievers, who combined to surrender 10 runs. Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur homered for Atlanta.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, left, forces out Atlanta Braves Jeff Francoeur on a Mark Kotsay ground ball in the fourth inning on Monday, March 31, 2008 in Atlanta.
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, left, forces out Atlanta Braves Jeff Francoeur on a Mark Kotsay ground ball in the fourth inning on Monday, March 31, 2008 in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Pittsburgh Pirates' Xavier Nady follows through on a three-run home run in the 12th inning against the Atlanta Braves on Monday, March 31, 2008, in Atlanta. Pittsburgh won 12-11.
Pittsburgh Pirates' Xavier Nady follows through on a three-run home run in the 12th inning against the Atlanta Braves on Monday, March 31, 2008, in Atlanta. Pittsburgh won 12-11.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine throws in the top of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday, March 31, 2008 in Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine throws in the top of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday, March 31, 2008 in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Pittsburgh Pirates' Xavier Nady (22) is greeted by Freddy Sanchez (12) and Nate McLouth, right, after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, March 31, 2008.
Pittsburgh Pirates' Xavier Nady (22) is greeted by Freddy Sanchez (12) and Nate McLouth, right, after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, March 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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