Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Motivation from Babies… and Tebow
The Atlanta Braves took advantage of the gifts offered by the Padres last night for a rare win at Turner Field. Julio Teheran the hitter supported Julio Teheran the pitcher in a 7-2 victory.
Off-days at home are often helpful in recharging the batteries – especially at this time of the year.
That’s certainly the way it looked last night as the entire team just looked more relaxed, the offense worked counts, walked a lot and produced a lot via the smaller-ball path.
Dansby Swanson was the big run-producer with a 2-for-4 night and 3 RBI. Even Julio Teheran got into the act with a double as he started – and ultimately finished – the decisive 3rd inning. Finally, he got a “W” at home – his first since the last start of the 2015 season.
Perhaps that home cooking was augmented a bit?
Teheran on having his son here for his first home win: "he was up there in the stands. It was a great motivation" #Braves @680_The_Fan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) August 31, 2016
The Braves beat up on Padres starter Edwin Jackson for 7 hits, 3 walks and 5 earned runs as he didn’t finish that third inning. Their bullpen didn’t fare well, either: 5 more hits, 4 walks, and 2 more runs.
Teheran went 7 strong innings with Jose Ramirez and Ian Krol finishing up for him.
The Braves are now at 49-83 and have caught the Minnesota Twins (or the other way ’round?) for worst record in the league. Minnesota is now on a 10-game losing streak while the Braves are 5-5 over their last 10.
Thus it is starting to look like Atlanta pick #2 in 2017. But just in case: the next teams in line are Cincinnati and… the aforementioned Padres: both tied and 6.5 games ahead of the Braves.
Next: On Tebow: I Was Wrong