Braves Swept By Mets, Isn't the End of the World

The Atlanta Braves fall to the New York Mets for the third time in a row. This afternoon’s 6-3 loss to the Mets completed a series sweep at Citi Field. I’m looking outside now and the sky isn’t falling, Atlanta. Our beloved Braves just happened to run into a buzz saw this week. Nobody is playing better baseball in the Majors this last week and a half than our arch rival New York Mets.

Throughout the series, what stood out to me most about the Mets was that they did not make many mistakes and capitalized on just about every one of the Braves’ mental lapses. Yes, the Braves had a horrible game Tuesday night but played respectable baseball in the last two games of the series. Eric Stults pitched well in a no-decision last night, striking out five and allowing only one earned run in 6IP. Julio Teheran wasn’t outclassed by Bartolo Colon despite walking five batters in 4.1 IP.

The Braves’ bats had some life in them at pitcher-friendly Citi Field. C AJ Pierzynski is hitting .407 on the season and Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez might have to keep the abrasive veteran backstop in the lineup as Christian Bethancourt still looks lost in the batter’s box.

All RF Nick Markakis has done since joining the Braves is hit single after single. I’m giddy with excitement as his plate approach reminds me of 3B Chris Johnson’s outstanding 2013 campaign.

SS Andrelton Simmons’ progress this year at the plate feels eerie similar to what Cardinals C Yadier Molina experienced a few seasons ago. Both are defensive wizards who needed heavy polishing offensively. It’s no longer a foregone conclusion that Simmons will pop-up to short on the first pitch.

Braves Swept By Mets, Isn’t the End of the World

By John Buhler | Apr 23, 2015