The Atlanta Braves (7-5) took the last game of a three game set in Washington this afternoon in extra innings. It helped prevent a sweep, and it was a wild one.
In a series that featured premium Starting Pitching, and thus, not much run production, theAtlanta Bravesgot to the Washington Nationals bullpen on Wednesday, and took the final game of the series (5-3) in 12 innings. In fact, for a series that was mostly boring for Braves Country, this one was worth the price of admission.
It’s always important to avoid a sweep, both mathematically and psychologically. Yes, it is April. Early, April. But Divisional games matter equally. And with Atlanta trying to get to that all important .500 demarcation on the year, these are the types of games you need to win.
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The big hero of the day wasKurt Suzuki. Dude went yard, twice, and had a final line that read3-6, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR. Suzuki continues to surprise with clutch hitting and quality play behind the plate.
There were others that helped the cause.Peter Bourjos, yes, that Peter Bourjous, snapped an 0-15 hit-less streak on the season with two hits on the day. The last was a “seeing eye” dribbler to the right side that plated the go ahead and winning runs in the top of the 12th.
The Braves got robbed on a call whenEnder Inciartewas called out attempting to steal home. He was safe. They reviewed it, and blew the call. Still not sure what good replay is if that type of call can’t or won’t be reversed.
Something should be said about the pitching.Brandon McCarthyoffered a decent 5 Innings, giving up 1 run on 4 hits with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. He left with a partially dislocated shoulder, but isn’t expected to miss any time.
A.J. Minter was dealing.Sam Freemancontinues to impress.Shane Carlehad nasty stuff. In fact, the entire Atlanta Braves bullpen was quality today. Except forArodys Vizcaino. He blew his 11th save of his career today. Something has to be done about the back end of that bullpen. Minter could be the answer there.
For a while, It looked like the Braves were going to get swept, and have to limp into Chicago on Friday. But they found a way to win on the way out of town, and salvaged one.
Next: Georgia Bulldogs: The Problem And Promise Of Tom Crean In Athens
It is a good sign for a ball club to scrap, scrape, and battle like they did.
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