Braves lose and draw in split-squad action
Mar 2, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves designator hitter Dyan Doumit (4) talks with second baseman Dan Uggla (26), first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Editor’s note: This is the debut piece from our newest staff writer, Fletcher Keel. Fletcher is also the editor over at Wave the Red Towel, FanSided’s site dedicated to Western Kentucky athletics. Welcome, Fletcher!
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Today, the Atlanta Braves partook in split-squad action, as the Braves starting outfield traveled to take on the Houston Astros, while the infield stayed in the Wide World of Sports to host the Detroit Tigers for the third time this spring.
In Orlando, the Braves and Tigers played 10 innings of scoreless ball that was started by Alex Wood (2 innings, 3 hits, 2 K’s). Luis Avilan and Corey Gearrin were two more of the combined 8 pitchers to take the mound for Atlanta, and the staff combined to only allow nine base runners.
Offensively, there isn’t much good to speak of aside from Freddie Freeman‘s 2-for-3 day, along with Jose Constanza’s 1-for-2 day. Dan Uggla, Chris Johnson, Joey Terdoslavich and Andrelton Simmons all went 0-for, but only struckout a combined single time. Whatever silver lining that shows.
Over in Osceola County Stadium, four Braves crossed the plate – Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, Cedric Hunter, and Edward Salcedo – in a losing effort, falling to the ‘Stros 7-4. David Hale got the start for Atlanta, and David Carpenter, Yunesky Maya, Lay Batista, Carlos Perez and David Bromberg all getting innings in, while Hale ultimately would get pinned with the loss, going 2 innings and giving up 2 hits and 2 runs, although only one was earned, and he struck out three. Everyone who pitched, aside from Bromberg, allowed at least one run, and if even a single other pitcher joins him (especially either Hale or Perez, who both gave up 2), then the Braves are winners. But no time to place blame.
Several guys had good days at the plate, as Heyward went 1-for-3, Schafer went 2-for-3, and Tommy La Stella went 2-for-4, which even in spring, will be a more than welcome site for Braves fans.
The record this spring may have some Braves fans scratching their heads and/or incredibly unhappy, but guys are getting in good work, and the fellas that need to be productive (Freeman, Heyward) are doing so, and the guys who need to work on things (Uggla, La Stella) are doing that as well. C’mon, just a single strikeout for Uggla? We should throw a parade.
By any means, the Braves are back in action tomorrow afternoon to take on the also winless New York Mets at Champion Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05, and we will see Freddy Garcia throw for the second time this spring.