What a roller coaster this game was. First, it looked like Smoltz was going to cruise to an easy win, then it looked like all was lost, but finally we pulled it out.
Smoltz was in total control today, taking a no-hitter into the 6th. Unfortunately, he gave up a two run shot on 1 hit. In the end, he still had an impressive outing, going 8 innings, only allowing the 2 runs on 2 hits. He struck out 8 in the process and lowered his era to 2.95. Soriano pitched the ninth, he looked great striking out 2 of the 3 he faced, allowing none to reach. Moylan came for the 10th. It looked like he gave up the run that cost us the game, allowing 3 hits in the process, but thanks to some heroics, the game went on. Then, came a mess of pitchers going .1 innings. Ring, .1 innings, 1 strikeout. Dotel, .1 innings, 1 strikeout. Mahay, .1 innings 1 hit, 1 walk. None of the three allowed a run to cross. Devine was called into a mess in the 11th. I was worried with the bases loaded, there is only so much a psych can take, but he was equal to the task and received his first win for it.
The bats were elsewhere for much of the day, but in the end, when it counted they came through. Chipper continued his run at the batting title going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and a home run. He was the only Brave to manage more than one hit, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t heroics. Thor hit a monster shot in the 10th to tie the game. Of course, we can’t forget Tex’s single in the 11th to win the game.
Tomorrow’s game, 1:05 PM, on TBS.
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