I missed much of last night’s game due to a work commitment, so I was concerned about doing the recap. But turns out they just replayed Monday’s game again Tuesday night—and I did watch Monday. So no problem.

In both games, the Braves scored 6 runs on 11 hits. In both games, the Braves staff held the high-powered Astros offense in check.  In both games, the Braves broke open a tight game with a four run 9th inning. In both games, Raisel Iglesias was warming up for the save, but given the cushion, Snit instead turned to a lower-leverage option to pitch the bottom of the 9th. In both games, Ozuna got a hit; his hitting streak is up to 15 games. In both games, the team continued to hit doubles like Skip Caray (three on Monday, four on Tuesday).

OK, the two games weren’t identical. Monday they got a much needed capable spot start from Darius Vines, who gave up one run in 4 1/3, followed by excellent work from the pen.  Tuesday they got a terrific start from Reynaldo Lopez, who tossed 6 shutout frames, striking out 7.  Lopez has now given up just one run in 18 innings (he’s gone 6 in each start).  Let me get my calculator…that turns out to be an ERA of 0.50.  Lopez has been a revelation, and especially so given the struggles of some of the other starters.  Some are concerned about his workload over the course of the season, given that he hasn’t pitched a full season as a starter since 2019.  The solution appears to be for him to pitch only on Tuesdays. All three of his starts have come on Tuesday, which happens to be my recap day. Me and Mr. Lopez, we’ve got a thing going on. It’s much too strong to let it go now.  He and I should just share our Tuesdays the rest of the way.

Another difference last night was that Raisel got the save after all.  Aaron Bummer was entrusted with a six run lead in the 9th.  I’ll resist the all-too-obvious play on his surname, but suffice it to say it didn’t go well.  Iglesias was needed to get the final out to seal the 6-2 victory.

Perhaps the most significant difference was the identity of the second baseman in the Braves lineup.  When I finally was able to tune in in the 6th inning, I noticed a burly guy with a bushy black beard playing second for the Braves. As I’m sure you’re aware (and as I learned during the game), Ozzie Albies suffered a broken toe on a HBP in Monday’s game.  Even though he finished out the game then, post-game X-rays revealed a small fracture. He doesn’t need surgery, so there is a good chance he’ll be back within weeks rather than months, but it’s a blow.  It’s still a great lineup, but without Murphy and Ozzie it’s not historically great from top to bottom.

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.

Wednesday Game Thread

Max Fried takes the hill against France. France isn’t known for its baseball skills so I expect the Astros to fold like a crêpe.