ESPN.com – MLB – Recap – Expos at Braves – 07/03/2003
One of the more frustrating types of loss is the comeback that comes up short. After trailing the entire game, the Braves rallied to score one (on Andruw’s homer) in the seventh, two in the eighth, and one in the ninth. They had the tying runner on second — Furcal, who could score on almost any hit to the outfield — and the winning run on first. They had Sheffield at the plate, who had driven in the runs in the eighth. And he flew out. Drives you crazy. The Braves had bad timing. If Andruw had homered in the first (when he grounded out with two on) or the eighth (when he struck out with two on) they probably would have won.
I have to give Shane Reynolds some credit. He pitched from the fifth to the seventh after giving up the five runs early and held the Expos scoreless. Of course, it didn’t do any good and now Bobby will think he’s turned a corner, guaranteeing at least three more starts. His ERA is now 6.04… Jung Bong bounced back with a perfect ninth, a strikeout, eight pitches, seven of them strikes.
The Phillies, of course, won.
I thought the same thing about how Cox will view this game. Those scoreless innings after the early struggle will be more curse than benefit. They’ll get him another start or two.
And Sheffield was this close to hitting it out for the game winner. Just caught the ball on the end of the bat.
On the good side of the ledger, Giles went 2-4, as was Furcal. (I believe)
If Rob Cope would get off his ass and carry out this kidnapping, we wouldn’t have to worry about Reynolds starting another game.
Hey man, I’m doing my best here. My van broke down and the chloroform hasn’t come in the mail yet. I also can’t find the blind fold I used to persuade Albie Lopez to sign with the Royals. So get off my ass… I’m getting there.