Folty, Atlanta Braves Shutout Royals, Even up Series
By Dan Horton
Atlanta Braves, Foltynewicz Sharp in 5-0 Win Over Royals
The 8-26, now 9-26, Atlanta Braves faced off again against the 2015 defending world champs. Game one saw the Braves fall 5-1, but tonight had a different much more happier ending.
The Braves had Mike Foltynewicz on the mound facing long time, old nemesis and former Met, Dillon Gee. Both were very efficient and effective in the early going.
Foltynewicz continued the trend of quality starts Braves pitchers have exhibited these past few games. And it was Folty who was the man of the hour.
Both the Braves and the Royals starters went toe to toe swapping zeroes through five. But it was the Braves who would send Dillon Gee to the showers early in the 6th.
A lead off double by Mallex Smith started the frame. Erick Aybar moved him to third on a good bunt then Nick Markakis drew a walk. Ender Inciarte doubled home Smith, Markakis went first to third, and the Braves led 1-0.
The Royals put Freddie Freeman on intentionally to load the bases for Kelly Johnson. There was still only one out in the inning. Kelly squashed the Royals’ plan and dumped a bloop into left that scored Markakis and Inciarte to push the score to 3-0 Braves.
That signaled the end of the night for Gee, as the Braves finally cracked the code on him. Luke Hochever spelled Gee and finally put an end to the Braves’ 6th.
The Braves added a few more to the board in the top of the 8th. After two quick outs, Kelly Johnson beat out a double play to keep the inning going then Jeff Francouer singled.
After another Royals’ pitching change, A.J. Pierzynski doubled to deep right center to score both Frenchy and Johnson, pushing the lead to 5-0. Gordon Beckham grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.
Folty ended the 8th after defensive sub Daniel Castro made a spectacular play to rob Lorenzo Cain of a hit and RBI. Castro ranged to his right, deep, and into the edge of the infield dirt, dove and made a perfect throw to Freeman to nail Cain. With no challenges left (lost the challenge in the 1st inning), the Royals couldn’t call for a review of the close play and the 8th was over.
The Braves kept the line moving in the 9th. On the first pitch of the inning, Mallex tripled over Cain’s head for his third hit of the night, and the team’s 11th.
That was the first triple of the season for the Braves, and the offense burned the outfield once again. However, the triple was wasted after Inciarte grounded into an inning-ending double play.
The night was over for Folty who was nothing short of brilliant. He went 8 masterful innings, surrendering 7 hits, 0 BB’s, 0 runs, and striking out 4. Folty gave way to Ian Krol in the 9th, who struck out 2 of the 3 hitters he faced in Eric Hosmer and Alex Gordon. The other reached on hit. Jason Grilli came on to record the final out on one pitch; a fly out to Smith in center.
It was a night of firsts for Mike Foltynewicz tonight. Folty not only earned his first win of the season, but also, his first career road win (sounds crazy doesn’t it, but it’s true), and his first career interleague win.
Atlanta goes for a series win against the Royals tomorrow afternoon in KC. Scheduled starters for tomorrow are Matt Wisler (1-3, 3.27) for the Braves and Danny Duffy (0-0, 3.00) for the Royals. first pitch is slated for 2:15 PM EST.