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Atlanta Braves: Nick Markakis Saves Brilliant Start from Touki Toussaint with a Walk-off HR

By Steven Teal

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 5: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves who had previously opted out of the 2020 MLB season looks on prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on August 5, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 5: Nick Markakis #22 of the Atlanta Braves who had previously opted out of the 2020 MLB season looks on prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on August 5, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 06: Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on August 6, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 06: Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on August 6, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Touki Toussaint took charge of the mound in his second start of the season for the Atlanta Braves as they finish the homestand with an 8-2 record.

Atlanta Braves fans have been waiting to see Touki Toussaint take his place in the starting rotation and show just how effective he can be for this team.

Well, fans were absolutely treated to that on Thursday evening as Toussaint struck out 9 Blue Jays batters across 6 2/3 innings of work; allowing 3 runs on just 4 hits in the process.

Touki had great fastball command and his splitter/curveball combo did a good job of keeping hitters off-balance. His two blemishes came in the 4th and 7th innings of the game.

Bo Bichette launched a first-pitch home run into the left-field seats to get the Blue Jays on the board and then on a sac fly off the bat of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Touki was relieved by Tyler Matzek with 2 outs in the 6th inning. I would have loved to see Touki finish out the inning but with how well the Atlanta bullpen has been, you liked your chances.

light. Related Story. Will Smith rejoins Braves bullpen

Unfortunately, Matzek allowed a single that would score the runner from second and tie the game at 3 runs apiece and make Toussaint ineligible for the win.

It really hurt to see Touki get a no-decision in this game but the way he pitched was so encouraging. He had confidence that I hadn’t seen from him yet and I hope that carries over into his next start.

His fastball was sharp and his splitter/curveball had some nice movement. He took advantage of an aggressive Toronto offense and made pitching look easy in the process. We needed Touki to step up and he did just that.

The Atlanta offense was fairly quiet Thursday evening but they got the job done. They faced touted Blue Jays prospect Nate Pearson who has a very good fastball.

He struggled early to command his fastball which led to a 4-pitch walk to Dansby Swanson and a home run off the bat of Freddie Freeman. He settled in pretty well after that and only allowed one more run on an Adam Duvall sacrifice fly.

It was a battle of the bullpens from that point on and the Braves offense came through in the bottom of the 9th with a walk-off home run by Nick Markakis. His first full game back in an Atlanta Braves uniform results in a game-winner.

Mark Melancon would get the win after a well-pitched 9th inning and Wilmer Font takes the loss for Toronto.

Atlanta was impressive on this homestand and they look to continue their success on their upcoming 9-game road trip.

Who made the cut?. dark. Next

They’ll take on the Phillies, Yankees, and Marlins. It won’t be easy but I have hope that this team will continue to win ball games in an impressive fashion.

If we can find stability on the back end of our rotation, the rest of the league better watch out. This team is built to go all the way.

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