First off, apologies for no game thread yesterday. My wife and I and 2 friends (who are Rangers fans) were at the game yesterday and today, and it’s pretty hard to write when you’ve got a beer in one hand and a Fox Bros brisket burger in the other. Our weekend in Atlanta has been wonderful. We stayed at the Hampton Inn, which is walking distance to the stadium and 1/2 the price of the hotels right next to Truist Park.
We also spent all day at the Ponce City Market and that is a can’t miss spot in Atlanta with great food, shops, and a rooftop area that has an 18-hole putt putt course, tons of carnival games, and a fabulous restaurant. Do it next time you’re in ATL. You won’t regret it.
Uncle Charlie
Sometimes I feel like Braves fans take Charlie Morton for granted. Since joining the Braves in 2021, Morton has started, 33, 31, 30, and 4 games. He’s been the one guy that has taken the ball, stayed healthy, stayed in the rotation, and has done so at 37, 38, 39, and now 40 years of age:
- 544 IP, 3.81 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 10.4 K/9
While Charlie might not be the anchor in the rotation this year, he has been the accumulative anchor for the last 4. His steady presence in a rotation that has had multiple starters out for extended periods during his time here has been nothing short of extraordinary considering his age. Last night, Charlie didn’t have his strikeout stuff, but still gutted out 6 innings of 2 run ball before giving it over to the backend combo of Joe Jimenez, A.J. Minter, and Raisel Iglesias, who combined for 3 innings, 1H, 0 BB, and 5K baseball to seal the win.
Little D
Travis d’Arnaud went yard again last night, capping off what will likely be the best offensive series of his career. In a post-game interview with Jon Morosi, he credited Sal Fasano as the reason for choosing to sign with the Braves. This is d’Arnaud’s 5th year with the Braves and has carried a .769 OPS in 301 games.
Sunday Game Thread
Darius Vines will throw against Michael Lorenzen. It’s a night game so prepare thyself.
Greetings from Virginia Beach,
Been ensconced in family activities for the wknd (father-in-law’s 90th birthday), so I’ve only seen one pitch of the 2 games.
Luckily, it was Travis’ 4th HR of the series — on a well-timed, restaurant-bathroom break. Thanks, Travis.
Let’s sweep the state of Texas this week.
How good is this team gonna be when Riley and Olson stop striking out with two on and less than 2 outs.
Thank goodness for Ozuna, eh?
Ozuna has been amazing. I was at a game just about this date last April. I was certain that he would and should be cut loose—he was clearly done. Once again, shows what I know.
Again, Riley and Olson – 4 ABs and 4 Ks
Has anybody run “Little D” past Travis?
The 2nd time through the order wasn’t as kind to Darius.
When I was in grad school at South Carolina, it was the heyday of Hootie and the Blowfish. My group of friends’ collective judgment was expressed with the succinct mantra, “Hootie sucks.”
I just watched another guy named Darius who sucks. . .