Loe Collapses in 5-2 Series-Ending Loss
By Brad Rowland
Sep 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Kameron Loe (40) pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
If Wednesday afternoon marked the end of the Kameron Loe era with the Atlanta Braves, I don’t think anyone would mind.
Generally, that comment wouldn’t lend itself to a positive impression from Loe during the Braves’ 5-2 loss, and the Mets certainly capitalized on his futility in route to the win. Loe threw 102 pitches in just 4.1 innings of work, and the 31-year-old right-hander allowed 5 runs in the process. If I were to share that simple set of stats without context, it wouldn’t be too much of a disaster, but when you consider that Loe allowed a staggering 14 base-runners (11 hits, 3 walks) and didn’t record a strikeout, you get the full picture of his performance.
Fortunately, Kameron Loe isn’t someone who will be relied on going forward for Atlanta, so let’s focus on the rest of the uneventful afternoon. Loe’s partner in veteran call-up, Freddy Garcia, pitched effectively for the second consecutive outing, allowing no runs over 2.2 innings and striking out two batters. Again, Garcia’s presence is one that is for insurance use only, but he’s been exceedingly useful as a bullpen saver.
Elliot Johnson and Paul Janish led the offense with 2 hits a piece on the day, and Freddie Freeman blasted an 8th-inning home run that doubled as the most exciting play of the afternoon. In addition, BJ Upton contributed a walk, a stolen base, and a sacrifice fly to continue his solid play, and Evan Gattis pounded a double late in the game that was encouraging.
Obviously, a 5-2 loss to a tepid Mets team doesn’t breed any excitement, but with the “B” lineup on display and Kameron Loe on the mound, it would’ve been aggressive to assume anything better. The magic number stays at 10 after the loss, but on September 4th, that is more than okay.
Stay tuned for a series recap, as well as a preview of the upcoming series with the Phillies that begins on Friday at 7:05 pm.