Atlanta Braves succumb to Miami Marlins in ten innings
By Terry Jenks
The Atlanta Braves lost in extra innings at home to the Marlins on Monday night, 3-1, after managing to tally only six hits on the evening. The game was a pitcher’s duel from beginning to end. Julio Teheran went seven innings, allowing four hits while striking out 11. One of his only mistakes of the night, a hanging slider, resulted in a game-tying, fifth-inning home run to catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The game remained tied until Shae Simmons (1-2, 3.00) allowed the go-ahead runs in the tenth.
The Braves (54-45), as they do in so many of the 2014 losses, managed to stand far too many runners. Stranding nine on the night, the Atlanta offense was given a golden opportunity to take the lead in the sixth inning. After a walk and an error, the bases were loaded for Chris Johnson. The Braves third baseman failed to convert, however, striking out on three straight pitches.
Miami (46-52) should feel fortunate to get the series-opening win. Leaving 10 men on base, committing two errors, and going 1-10 with runners in scoring position, the Marlins certainly stole a victory in Atlanta tonight.
Fredi Gonzalez elected to stick with the recently struggling, and right-handed Shae Simmons against lefty Garrett Jones in the tenth with bases loaded. That decision did not pay off. Jones singled up the middle to give the Marlins the lead for good.
Evan Gattis returned to the lineup for Atlanta, going 1-3 with a walk. The Braves catcher batted sixth and caught all ten innings to provide at least one highlight for Braves fans.
The NL East rivalry series continues tomorrow night as Jacob Turner (2-6, 6.22) takes on Mike Minor (3-5, 4.86) at Turner Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm. Stay tuned to ATL All Day for all the latest.