Atlanta Braves vs. Phillies: Game 1 Recap 4/24
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Apparently Aaron Harang still has “it”.
We saw this firsthand last year: he went 8 strong tonight with 2 hits allowed, 6 K’s, and just 1 walk.
- It took until the 4th inning until a Braves player reached base (Alberto Callaspo walked; erased on a DP).
- It took until the 5th inning until a Braves player got a hit (A.J. Pierzynski, a hustle double). That same inning marked an inning with two runners at once… until a DP ended that threat.
- It took until the 9th inning until a Braves player reached base when leading off an inning (Cameron Maybin, walk – also erased on a double play).
But with all that, the stubbornness of Alex Wood (5.2 innings, 5 hits, 2 walks, just 1 K) seemed to “will” the Phillies to not score. Not sure that attitude prevails against a stronger opponent, but it worked enough for him tonight. The problem that he encountered was a high pitch count. A lot of runners, several deep counts, and he was done in the sixth.
Thus it was up to the beleaguered braves bullpen to hold on.
- Cody Martin: closed out the sixth, started the 7th
- Luis Avilan: finished the 7th, started the 8th
- Jim Johnson: finished the 8th, then…
SS Freddy Galvis hit what sounded like a cracked-bat single weakly up the middle. Took second on a bunt. Took third on a passed ball (almost got him). Took home when Freddie Freeman could not handle a weak grounder, the ideal ball to try and throw out Galvis.
1-zip Philly is your final score, guaranteeing a losing record on this 9-game road trip by the Braves.
There’s Just No Defense For It
4 errors total – the last one fatal. Freddie Freeman (two errors, including the last) seemed almost distracted tonight. A toss to Wood covering first in the sixth was aimed behind him, allowing the runner to reach. Two more strikeouts in 3 trips (he’s hitting .233 now). Maybe that wife’s birthday thing is getting in the way of actually playing.
So yes: the anemic offense produced more errors (4) than either hits (2) or runs (0). Jim Johnson takes the loss, but it really wasn’t his doing so much… it was Philadelphia making something happen.
So the bullpen came through tonight… but they can’t hit and catch the ball, too.
SATURDAY: Shelby Miller vs. David Buchanan
Seems the Phils are out of pitchers already. We’ll see if it matters. 7:05pm Eastern time.