Monday, October 1, 2012

Braves Lose, Settle for Wild Card

The Atlanta Braves lost Monday night to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-1. As a result, the Washington Nationals clinched the division title in the National League East, and the Braves will settle for the top wild card spot. Atlanta will host the wild card game this Friday, October 5th.
Pirates starter Jeff Locke, pitched like an ace against the Braves, giving up a run and two hits through six innings. This was Locke's first ever Major League victory, after going 0-3 with a 6.35 ERA this year. It probably also felt good for Locke, as he was originally drafted by the Braves.
Paul Maholm pitched good for the Braves, going seven innings and only giving up two runs. It was the offense that didn't respond. With outfielders Michael Bourn and Jason Heyward providing the only two hits. That kind of output will not help the Braves win on Friday, let alone make it to the World Series. They really need someone to step up and start hitting. First baseman Freddie Freeman and second baseman Dan Uggla have been hitting better recently, but Freeman didn't do anything Monday night and Uggla was out with an injury.
The Braves play again in Pittsburgh tomorrow night. Tommy Hanson will take the mound for the Braves, he won his last start, his first win in over two months. It remains to be seen if manager Fredi Gonzalez will rest some of his position players in preparation for Friday's wild card game.

Jason Heyward drives in the Braves only run of the night in the third inning.
Photo Courtesy of images.yahoo.com

No comments:

Post a Comment