Atlanta Braves Win Behind Ace Sean Newcomb Yet Again
By Kit Anderson
Whenever Sean Newcomb is on the mound for the Atlanta Braves I go to the ballpark or switch on the tv feeling like the Braves will win. Watching Newcomb pitch it is becoming obvious he is headed towards becoming the Braves’ ace.
Newcomb didn’t have his best stuff last night for the Atlanta Braves and it didn’t matter. Newcomb pitched seven strong innings for the Braves giving up two early runs before shutting the Washington Nationals down.
Winning the game 4-2 and claiming sole possession of the division lead the Braves have to feel even more confident in Newcomb.
Watching him pitch last night it was obvious he didn’t have his best strikeout stuff. Still, he pitched for contact outs, helped himself at the plate and ended up pitching one of his better games.
The Atlanta Braves will again have to defend their division lead tonight against the Nationals. With a win, they would guarantee themselves at least two more days in first place in the National League East.
Calling a series the first weekend in June important may seem dramatic but come September all games count up the same.
Winning this series would be a huge boost for the confidence of a young Braves roster. It would send a message to Washington as well that they are no longer the sole contenders in the National League East.
Washington on paper has a clear advantage, but this young Braves roster has been shocking teams all season long.
Sean Newcomb pitching seven strong last night was a great start both in the series and to set a tone for the rest of the pitching staff.
A pitching staff who must step up and match a stacked Washington rotation. If they can’t Atlanta will still maintain a chance if they can keep it close considering their penchant for late-inning heroics in Atlanta.