Today on braves.DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN: COLT.45’S 2, BRAVES 6,
A work engagement kept me away from most of yesterday night’s game, so I was worried about writing the review. However, it appears that Tuesday night’s repeat of Monday’s game—which I had watched—was all that was done. Thus, no issue.
The Braves scored 6 runs on 11 hits in each of the two games. The Braves pitching staff restrained the potent Astros offense in both games. In each game, the Braves used a four-run ninth inning to break open a close contest. Raisel Iglesias warmed up for the save in both games, but Snit decided to pitch the bottom of the ninth instead of taking a risk because of the cushion. Ozuna received a hit in both games, extending his hitting streak to 15 games. The team hit doubles like Skip Caray in both games (three on Monday, four on Tuesday).
Alright, so the two games were not the same. On Monday, they had a much-needed strong spot start from Darius Vines (4 1/3 innings pitched), which was followed by superb pen work. Reynaldo Lopez gave them a great start on Tuesday by pitching six scoreless frames and striking out seven. After six innings in each start, Lopez has now surrendered only one run in 18 innings. I’ll fetch my calculator now.that comes out to have a 0.50 ERA. Considering the difficulties experienced by some of the other players, Lopez has been an absolute revelation. Since he hasn’t pitched a complete season as a starter since 2019, some are worried about his workload during the season. The answer shows up to be Tuesdays only, for him to pitch. Tuesday, which also happens to be my recap day, has seen him start all three of his games. Mr. Lopez and I are involved in something. It’s far too powerful to let go of right now. The rest of the time, he and I should just spend our Tuesdays together.
Last night, there was a further distinction in that Raisel ended up with the save. In the ninth inning, Aaron Bummer was given a six-run advantage. I won’t make the all-too-obvious joke about his last name, but let’s just say that things didn’t work out. To ensure the 6-2 triumph, Iglesias was required to get the final out.
The Braves lineup’s second baseman’s identity was possibly the biggest change. Eventually, in the sixth inning, I managed to catch up and saw that the Braves had a big, bushy black beard guy playing second base. Ozzie Albies broke his toe on an HBP in Monday’s game, as I’m sure you know (and as I found out during the game). X-rays taken after the game showed a minor fracture, despite the fact that he played the entire game. It’s a blow, but there’s a high chance he won’t need surgery and will return in a few weeks instead of months. Even while the lineup is still fantastic, it isn’t historically the best from top to bottom sans Murphy and Ozzie.
But don’t dismiss the fill-ins. Luis Guillorme stroked a two run double in the 4-run 9th inning. It was a bloop that dropped softly on the left field, but it counts. And Chadwick Tromp had two doubles of his own (one of which accounted for the other two 9th inning ribbies); both of his were well-stroked liners in the gap.
The Braves can pull off a sweep in this afternoon’s game behind Mighty Max. The Astros counter with some guy who is 0-2 with an ERA over 8. Let’s get ’em while they are down.
Finally, just to brighten our Wednesday, I’ll remind you of the last time Varsity started a game in Minute Maid Park: November 2, 2021. You’re welcome.
