This is the Tim Hudson we saw in Oakland 4 years ago.  He's been pretty amazing during his time here, but THIS Tim Hudson looks fantastic.  Hudson pitched eight strong innings to slide past the Nationals 3-0.  Matt Chico as well was lights out against a Braves offense that has been very quiet lately. 

Chipper Jones gave us a scare as he hobbled around the bases during a Matt Diaz ninth inning 2 run single, but he was able to play the bottom half.  From the dugout Chipper winched in pain and clearly was limping.  It's his quad you see....we'll have to wait and see.

So while Matt Chico and Tim Hudson blanked eachother inning for inning, Yunel Escobar hit a sixth inning solo homer that JUST cleared that wall.  We were all praying for a few more insurance runs, as our bullpen doesn't have our complete confidence just yet.  We got those runs in the ninths, after Jon Rauch walked Teixiera to load the bases with no one out.  Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann struck out...quickly at horrible pitches and it looked like once again, the Braves were going to squander yet another scoring chance.  Matt Diaz put those fears to rest with a first pitch, solid single up the middle, plating Escobar and a hobbling Chipper Jones. 

So the Braves win 3-0, Hudson pitches a gem and Pete Moylan baffels Ryan Zimmerman in the ninth for his 2nd major league save.

 Notes

Mike Hampton did some light throwing and should have a rehab assignment next week.  He'll throw more this weekend to test his sore pectorial muscle.  

Braves called up Jorge Campillio to take Chuck James spot in the rotation, and Jeff Bennett will make the start in Hamptons place next week.

Next up

Braves take on Washington tomorrow at 1pm Eastern.  John Smoltz will take the hill.