Atlanta Braves Morning Chop/Box: A Win, New Theatrics, Pepper

Jul 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) reacts after scoring a run in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

A Win is a Win is a Win

The new kids for the Cubs got their licks in, but despite 7 hits, 3 walks, and an error, then could not muster the big hit… at least not more than once.

Julio Teheran and a host of rested bullpen arms (5 of them) held off Chicago last night as the Braves won the opener, 4-2.

The game also ended a bizarre streak in which Jonny Gomes had hit home runs for 3 straight years during his first games back from the All-Star break, though maybe this one didn’t really count since he only got 1 AB via a pinch-hit appearance.

In the 6th inning, Eury perez came up with 2 outs and the bases loaded.  He was only able to manage a weak grounder to shortstop to end that threat.  However, there was a repeat of this situation in the 8th inning, and on this occasion, Perez came through by ripping a single toward the RF corner (should have been ruled a double since the outfield had him played to pull, IMHO).  That scored the 3rd and 4th runs, making a winner of Arodys Vizcaino (Jim Johnson with the 1-2-3 9th inning save, his 6th).

Starter Julio Teheran pitched into the 5th inning, but was fighting tough situations in several innings with base runners all over (9 of them).  He wasn’t pleased to have been pulled before the end of the 5th (that’s when leading pitchers can qualify for a W, but he wasn’t leading as the game was tied at 2).  Nonetheless, he had not been sharp, and even at 90 pitches, this was the right play.

The second game of the series is tonight:  Jon Lester and Manny Banuelos taking the hill for their respective clubs.  7:10 start.

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