Well, it was a promising start to the series, but it ended with a loud thud on the Braves end, losing 3 straight games as they head back to Atlanta to tangle with the big bad Phillies. It has been a tough start to the season for the Braves offense, as they have only scored 4 or more runs just twice in 7 games this season (with one being exactly 4). However, because its baseball, we say hooray for small sample sizes! This offense will hit more consistently than they've shown in the first few games, and the pitching staff has given up only 19 runs in 7 games. That is very good pitching, and the Braves have a +5 run differential through 7 games because of it. It's early, and there isn't any reason to panic despite losing 3 in a row. Remember too that they were on the road against the team that is probably the favorite to win the NL Central, and lost those 3 games by 4 runs total. Yovani Gallardo is a stud who pitched like one on Tuesday, the Braves got hosed by a missed call at the plate on Wednesday in a one run game, and Thursday was just an uphill battle that the Braves were in until the end. It's baseball, this stuff happens through the season. Lets take a look back at some key individuals for the Braves:
Brandon Beachy: The number 1 positive from the series was this guy's performance in the opener. Not a lot of number 5 starters can throw out a line like this: 6 IP, 4 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 Ks. Its only one start, but Beachy showed that he has the ability to be a pretty solid starter in his short time in the minors, judging by his K rate and overall command of 3 pitches. He can absolutely an above average 5th starter this year, so lets hope he builds from this performance.
Dan Uggla- He was only 4 for 14 in the series, but he did provide the biggest moment for the Braves, which was the go ahead home run in the 8th inning of game 1. Having that one moment made him the star of the Braves offense in this series, which frankly is kinda like me picking a favorite between the University of Tennessee, UK, or UNC. Not really any appealing choices.
Braves Bullpen: They continue to keep games from getting out of hand, throwing up 11.1 innings of 1 run baseball in the series. They continue to give the offense the chances to come back in games, it is just the offense hasn't been able to take advantage of those chances at this time. There weren't a lot of strikeouts (other than the otherworldly Craig Kimbrel), but they throw strikes and have been putting out most every fire to this point.
Goats:
Alex Gonzalez- His defense continues to be excellent, but he was a dog at the plate in this series, going 1 for 14 with a walk, including a ground out in the 8th inning with the bases loaded today. Gonzalez will turn in a dud like this series more than a few times throughout the series, and its something the Braves will just have to live with. As long as he is playing good defense, it will have to be tolerated.
Mike Minor- Rough start to the year from the former Commodore, walking the 1st 3 batters he faced and giving up 5 runs in 4.1 innings last night. A 1:4 K to BB ratio isn't going to cut it most starts, so his command will need to get better. His velocity was good last night, but he will need to locate better so he can use his plus changeup to get right handed batters out. It might be the last time we see him for a while if Jurrjens can get back healthy, but he seems to be a confident guy who will have the make up to put this start behind him. Let's hope that is the case.
Freddie Freeman- Freddie has had a rough go of it the 1st 7 days of the season, going 1 for 13 in the series with the Brew Crew. He seemed to be pressing a bit, as evidenced by popping up the 1st pitch he saw after Prado's lead off double last night. Need to have more patience against a young starting pitcher there, as evidenced by the 2 ropes that Chipper and McCann hit on the next 2 at bats. Estrada didn't have it in the 1st inning last night, and Freeman's first pitch swing and Chipper getting thrown out at the plate contributed to him being able to settle in a little bit after that in my eyes.
What to Watch For:
The Phillies come to Atlanta for a 3 game set this weekend, and not a lot else needs to be said. The Phillies are the favorites in the division, and bring an outstanding pitching staff to Turner Field to face a struggling Atlanta offense. The Braves will miss Roy Halladay, but Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels await, which is a tall order. Keep an eye on if the Braves are able to work counts. All 3 Phillies' starters possess excellent command, and any extra baserunners the Braves can get by working the count will be vital in scratching out runs for an offense that needs it. It's a tall task to be sure, but they are going to have to start hitting at some point. Might as well be against some of the best in the biz, right?
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