Apologies to all for the belated recap. Some unplanned-for developments have delayed me. Those developments also kept me from seeing last night’s game, which at least makes my task of recapping easier.
On the other hand, it appears that I missed watching one of the more satisfying games of the past several weeks. Come from behind walkoff win in the ninth against our division rival the Fish, helping to put a stake through the heart of their fading wild card hopes.
Last week I wrote about how frustrating Sean Newcomb can be. His overall line last night was similar to many of his outings—7 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings pitched. Obviously we will need better from him if he is to become a reliable major league starter. But the good news is that 4 of those hits came in the first 6 batters in the top of the first, leading to 3 first inning runs. Newk did not allow a run in the next 4 innings, which led to the Braves not being blown out and having a chance to get back in the game. I’ve been critical of Newcomb, but I’m a long way from writing him off. He may yet figure this out—and he’ll get a pretty long leash to try to do so. His recovery last night may be something to build on.
Several other good things in the game: 2 more hits for Ender, 2 more for Suzuki (including the walkoff game winner), 2 more for Dansby (his OPS is up to .663). Another dinger from Kemp and another big pinch hit from Big City. And Ozzie, after making a crucial error in the 8th, and being hitless until his last at bat, had a huge double in the ninth to drive in the tying run.
Given what’s bearing down hard on South Florida, it’s understandable if the Marlins (and the rest of us) have more important things on their minds and hearts than baseball. But these teams play again tonight with Folty on the mound for the Bravos. I’m praying for Miami but I hope the Braves crush the Marlins.
I hope all of you in the southeast will stay safe.
Ronald Acuña wins Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.
@2 I believe he recieved the same honor from USA Today. Let’s hope he continues to get better every time his competition improves.
I’ve been hard on Swanson, but he’s rebounded quite nicely from a dumpster fire beginning of the year, to the extent that I’m becoming a believer. If Coppy replaces Markakis with Acuna, can sign Moustakis or trade a couple chips for Donaldson and then make another trade for a legit SP, he could turn this thing around quickly.
Clouds are starting to roll in at Panama City Beach, but the lull before Irma produced a glorious day. Hopefully there will be no need to go further north by northwest.
Let’s win tonight, folks.
Don’t take any chances, coop. You’re too necessary.
Excuse the pun, but Acuna may be a game changer for the rebuild. His rise from an after thought signing to the best minor leaguer in baseball at 19 is amazing. He will save us millions of dollars and may allow us to afford the final piece (a top tier starter).
Edward, we aren’t wise, but we are fraidy cats. Our family crest contains three chickens rampant on a field of yellow.
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#Braves’ Dansby Swanson has hit .377/.479/.519 (.998 OPS) in his past 24 games.
Acuna, Albies, Camargo…all products of the Evil-Wren era.
Greyhound is now offering free tickets to Florida if you can prove you saw a Braves game this year.