Bobby has always given his veteran pitchers a long leash, and let’s be honest, with names like Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and Hudson, they have earned it. But, with that comes a responsibility. On several occasions this year, Huddy has pitched well deep into games only to have it blow up in his face in the 8th or 9th. I remember Maddux in his hey day pull himself out of games mid-inning, when he knew he was out of gas. Huddy needs to start doing the same. While some of the blame today does rest with Bobby, you know Huddy was saying, “I’ve got enough left for one more batter let me go, I can do it.” While I appreciate his competitiveness, sometimes you have to put your own ego aside and do what is best for the team. Sure, today, with the way the pen pitched, it wouldn’t have mattered.
Huddy almost pitched a great game. He pitched 7 scoreless innings, and into the eighth, but that is where he started to lose it. He got within one out of getting out of it, but in the end he went 7.2 innings, allowed 8 hits, walked 2 and was charged with 3 runs. Only 1 of the 3 crossed with Huddy still in the game. Mahay came in next, faced one batter, walked him, walking a run in, Bobby got tossed and was Mahay was pulled. Yates came in next, did what was expected, 2 walks and a hit as 2 more runs crossed the plate. Think the Mets want him back? Devine was called into a mess in ninth, walked one, no hits, but one scored on a sac fly. Not a bad bit of pitching considering what he was brought into. I wonder if the powers that be in Atlanta will deem him “major league ready” next season?
The Braves apparently left the lumber at home. Tex had a nice home run, but that was it for the Braves scoring. Both Renty and Chipper were tagged with 0 for’s, losing ground in the batting chase. No Brave had more than one hit and 14 men were left on base. Frenchy did gun down a runner at home.
Tomorrow’s game, 3:55 PM, on FOX.
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