Braves Report

Just when we thought everything was going well, the problems of last year began to rear their ugly head again. What was it this time? Well, stated eloquently, the fustercluck of a bullpen that this team has. There really is no good reason why the Braves should’ve lost this game, their first one of the year. A late comeback was also ineffective, already starting the 1-run loss total early in the season. So, off we go.

I’ll start with the positive (the offense). They were very good, banging out 11 runs. Schafer, McCann, and Matt Diaz all homered. The last two in that list each drove in 3 runs. Francoeur also singled in a pair of runs. Infante walked with the bases loaded, making it look like the Braves offense had put this game in the bag. Sadly, however, that wasn’t meant to be.

Vazquez, on the whole, was like the Campillo of last year. What I mean by that is he didn’t exactly give a stellar performance in his debut for the Braves, but he didn’t exactly lose the game, either. His line was through 6 innings: 5 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, but 5 K’s. The main figure that stands out there the number of walks, but, the bullpen’s number dwarfs that.

Ah, the bullpen. What else more is there to say? How about this: if a team gives up 10 walks in a game, they’re probably not going to win. They were handed a 7-run lead in the 7th inning, but were unable to hold onto it. O’Flaherty quickly recorded an out, then gave up a single and beaned Ryan Howard. He was relieved and would later be charged with 2 runs by Moylan, who gave up 2 walks and 2 hits, getting tagged for 4 earned runs. Boyer followed, threw 9 pitches, 8 were balls, giving up 2 walks and 2 runs. He would eventually be given the loss. Campillo tried to extinguish the fire, but gave up a single and walked in another run before finally ending the inning. All told, 8 runs crossed the plates. In the 8th, the Phillies managed to push another run across the plate on a sacrifice fly, giving them 12 and enough for the win. Bennett finished the game pretty tame compared to everyone else: a hit.

Well, at least this game wasn’t boring.

Braves lose, 12 – 11.

Next game: Friday vs. the Nationals. It’s the Braves’ home opener.

7:30 PM EST. Lowe vs. Martis. Let’s see another great performance from Lowe.

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