Foltynewicz, Freeman deliver strong performances in 3-1 Atlanta Braves loss
By Scott Ferris
Despite a strong showing by a pair of key players, for the first time in the history of SunTrust Park, the Atlanta Braves left the stadium without a victory.
In the first of a three-game set, the Atlanta Braves drew a tough match-up, facing off against Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals. Mike Foltynewicz took the hill for Atlanta.
Unfortunately (though unsurprisingly), Scherzer looked every bit the part of a reigning Cy Young winner. Through seven innings, he allowed just five base-runners (two singles, three walks) while striking out seven.
However, Foltynewicz was no slouch. The two hard-throwing righties both delivered excellent outings.
In his own seven inning appearance, Folty allowed just two runs on five hits. His 3:4 K/BB ratio left something to be desired but overall it has to be considered a promising start for the 25-year-old… particularly given umpiring considerations.
Once the two starters left, both bullpens allowed one run over two innings.
Sammy Solis pitched a scoreless eighth for Washington. Meanwhile, Eric O’Flaherty was touched up for a run in two third of an inning. Luke Jackson entered and recorded the final four outs of the game for Atlanta.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Nats called on Blake Treinen to nail down the save. Instead, he ended up with an uninspiring one out, two hits, two walks, one earned run hold. Shawn Kelley, one of Washington’s other members of the closer-by-committee, replaced Treinen and promptly retired two batters to end the game.
While it’s always disappointing to lose, a) it does sting a bit less when you’re facing one of the top five or so pitchers in the game and b) there were a few silver linings.
Best Braves Performers
So, who delivered those silver linings? These guys.
Mike Foltynewicz
As mentioned above, Foltynewicz pitched well. Though he was a bit wild and failed to post gaudy strikeout numbers, his ability to limit runs while pitching deep into the game is an encouraging sign for both him and the team. He’ll be shouldered with the tough luck loss but is further proving that he belongs in the big league rotation.
Freddie Freeman
As a reader of Tomahawk Take, you’ve likely heard of Freeman. He plays first base for the Braves and hits balls real good. In Tuesday’s matchup he continued to rake going 2-for-2 with a pair of walks. That brings his 2017 line to a comical .426/.518/1.390. While some regression is surely in the cards, it’s great to see Freeman carry his hot 2016 hitting into SunTrust Park.
Luke Jackson
Acquired from the Rangers in exchange for Tyrell Jenkins, Jackson is a young reliever with an absolute cannon. He didn’t crack the Opening Day roster but has already made an impact with two perfect outings to begin his Braves career.
Looking Ahead
On Wednesday, the series will continue with Julio Teheran facing off against Joe Ross. Matt Kemp won’t appear in the game but is heading to Gwinnett for a quick rehab assignment and could realistically rejoin the team by the end of the week.