Power Surge In Atlanta Takes Down Phillies
By Jeff Schafer
We’re just two games into the 2013 season, but man has it been fun to watch these Atlanta Braves. In previous seasons it seemed as if when the Braves got either down in a game or got a big lead that they would be comfortable with that outcome and rarely do anything in the latter innings. In two games now, they’ve scored five runs after the 5th inning and that’s what I’m excited to see.
Paulie The Man
Apr 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Paul Maholm (28) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
During last nights game, fans witnessed a lot. First, Paul Maholm pitched extremely well to a veteran team. Going into spring training, I admit I wasn’t a huge fan of Mahom but the way he pitched in Florida and now his first outing versus the rivals Phillies, I’ve got one foot onboard. Paul went into the 6th inning going 5.2 with giving up six hits, no runs, six strikeouts and allowing only one walk. He was keeping the Philadelphia hitters off balance all night with mixing up his pitches.
What’s Up Doc?
We saw a very unusual stat with Roy Halladay, debatably one of the best pitchers in the league (maybe not this year), as he gave up two home runs and five runs while recording nine strikeouts. Doc Halladay didn’t have a great spring training and the Braves drove his confidence down deeper.
Touch ’em All
The Braves Bombers came out again to play Wednesday night as Justin Upton (2nd), Evan Gattis (1st career hit) and Jason Heyward (1st) each had a shot over the wall. Upton’s home run was a right-center shot with an at-eas swing to get the Braves going in the first. Gattis’ came in the 4th inning off Halladay, see the link below to see his home run. Then, with the rain falling, Hayward came through off Jonathan Papelbon in the 8th inning to put the game almost out of reach.
Getting On
It was great to see Andrelton Simmons get on base twice on Wednesday, that is exactly what the Braves need out of him. If he gets on, great things can happen behind him. Freddie Freeman with another three RBI game and is batting .714 for the first two games. Dan Uggla didn’t get a hit last night but did get on base twice. He loaded up on the walks last season and if he can do the same this year I’d be ok with it.
Down but definitely not out
B.J. Upton struck out four times last night and is hitless yet this season. Do not think this will continue, he had a very strong spring training and as it seems all of his teammates are hitting, B.J. will soon catch on….it’s only the second game, 160 games left.
Up Next
Kris Medlen will pitch today in the final game of the opening series against the Phillies. Cliff Lee will take the ball for the opposite side. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm ET but the rain continues to fall in the surrounding areas so stay posted.