Game 158 Recap: Marlins 5, Braves 4
by cbwilk on Sep 30, 2009 10:59 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
36 comments
The Braves fell short in their most important game of the season. Starting pitcher Javier Vazquez unfortunately chose to emulate Tim Hudson's performance from last night, as he allowed 5 runs in 6 innings, taking the loss for the Braves. Florida's starter Ricky Nolasco, on the other hand, pitched his best performance of the season, striking out a career high 16, including striking out 9 consecutive batters at one point, becoming just the 4th player in Major League history to accomplish the feat.
But, as masterful as Nolasco was, he wore down a bit toward the end of the game, as the Braves were able to scratch two unearned runs across the board in the 7th inning on an Adam LaRoche double. A win seemed tantalizingly close as Florida closer Leo Nunez lost control of the strike zone in the 9th, allowing Yunel Escobar to drive in Brian McCann and Omar Infante to drive in Escobar.
Then, with two outs and the bases loaded, Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to bring in super-vet Brendan Donnelly to face Martin Prado. Donnelly needed only one pitch to end the game, but not in a manner anyone could have guessed. Catcher Ronny Paulino lost the ball in the dirt and as it squirted away from him Matt Diaz began down the third base line toward home. But, Diaz showed indecisiveness, ultimately retreating to third base, but not before Paulino could retrieve the ball and throw him out to end the game.
This was a heartbreaking and somewhat baffling loss. The onus has been on the Braves to win at the end of the season and the last two nights they have failed. This loss puts their elimination number at 2, meaning any combination of Rockies wins or Braves losses equaling 2 will eliminate the Braves from winning the Wild Card. The Phillies clinched the Eastern Division tonight, so the Wild Card remains the Braves lone hope, but, as I write this, they lead Milwakee 8 to 4 in the top of the 7th inning in Colorado. If the Rockies hold on to win the game, the Braves elimination number drops to 1, meaning any Braves loss or Rockies win after tonight kills the Braves playoff hopes.
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Right now...
we are like the convict laying on the table awaiting lethal injection, glancing at the red phone on the wall, hoping it rings with a call for a stay of execution…..
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
by bravos1984 on Sep 30, 2009 11:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never been a bigger Brewers and Dodgers fan than I am right now.
by Fat Dingflyer on Sep 30, 2009 11:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We will get'em next year!!
Even though the Braves aren’t probably going to make the playoffs this year, it’s great to see them go on that streak like they did. The Marlins are a tough team, but we should’ve taken care of them but we didn’t. The Braves improved upon last years record and next year we’re going to make the playoffs. With our rotation, Heyward coming up and the potential of another quality bat. Wren has shown that he’s a very strong GM, so I will expect for him to field a even better team next year on the field for Cox last go around. The only thing that kind of worries me a bit is our pen next year. If we let Sori and Gonzo leave, we really don’t have a veteran closer. So resigning one of them will be a good idea or go out a get another closer like Capps, Wagner or whomever Wren will want.
by deewill23 on Sep 30, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im officially an un"believe"r.
damn. this season went by so fast.
Frank Wren for GM of the Year.
"Wait, bait and bash." - Jason Heyward's personal philosophy.
by mvhsbball on Sep 30, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well
At least I have the falcons to distract me from my braves going to the off-season this Sunday…
Whats that? The falcons have their bye week this sunday?
…Sadness Abound…
by happyplayer23 on Sep 30, 2009 11:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Times like this....
I wish I followed another sport as closely as I do baseball. That way the winter might go by faster.
"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."
by bravos1984 on Sep 30, 2009 11:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tim Kurkjain just said it:
(On MattyD being caught on 3rd base)
“And that perfectly represents the Braves’ season.”
God. Its sad, but so true.
We came up so close, but in the end, just couldn’t seal the deal. 2010 will be different. I know it.
At least we have Tommy Hanson tomorrow. He always brightens my day up. Give ’em hell, Tommy.
And like always, GO BRAVES.
Frank Wren for GM of the Year.
"Wait, bait and bash." - Jason Heyward's personal philosophy.
by mvhsbball on Oct 1, 2009 12:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good...
….you’re recovering a little. That’s the spirit.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by sddbaker on Oct 1, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Matty had committed to going home, would he have made it? I have yet to see a replay of the play…
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Oct 1, 2009 1:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It woulda been REALLY close. If he went immediately…maybe.
The thing that hurt most was the Marlins had just walked 2 in a row, and their new pitcher threw a ball in the dirt to start. We were in total control of the inning.
Frank Wren for GM of the Year.
"Wait, bait and bash." - Jason Heyward's personal philosophy.
by mvhsbball on Oct 1, 2009 1:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
90 Wins....
Is still possible w/ a sweep of the Natinals! If you would have told me before the season that we could head into the last week with a chance at 90 wins I would have been ecstatic! This team won 72 games last year and finished 18 games below .500. If we sweep the Nats we’ll finish up 90-72, an 18 game improvement. That is fantastic progress and is a testament to the fine job that Frank Wren has done. I’m extremely proud of the team and am already looking forward to next season. Go Braves!
by JadedMayberry on Oct 1, 2009 7:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I partially blame some of the "fans" in/around Atlanta, GA.
The Braves played brilliant baseball over the past few weeks. Brilliant. They felt the buzz and we were buzzing, so they were probably coming home expecting some excited fans. The fans let the Braves down. Instead of coming out to the ballpark to support the surging Braves, our Bravos are playing in front of sparse crowds, only getting "into it" at crucial moments…not PUSHING for excitement. Our players have probably felt a sense of betrayal as in, "what do we have to do for these people to come out and cheer for us?" Just win a WS on their own, I guess. Sorry, Chipper.
Tigers love pepper; they hate cinnamon.
by Jareth Cutestory on Oct 1, 2009 7:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, no offense to any Atlantians here but the fans there…well, let’s just say there aren’t enough of them.
But I’m proud of the Bravos (wearing one of my Braves polos at work today) and think they will be frontrunners for the division next year.
Now who to pull for in the postseason…Dodgers or Cards…
"If it weren't for baseball, many kids wouldn't know what a millionaire looks like." - Phyllis Diller
by WienerDog on Oct 1, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Braves don’’t make it, I couldn’t care less who wins the WS.
I guess the Cards b/c of LaRussa? It doesn’t matter.
Tigers love pepper; they hate cinnamon.
by Jareth Cutestory on Oct 1, 2009 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as it’s not the Yanks, I don’t care.
Down with the Evil Empire! The Yanks losing should be a reminder that you can’t try to buy a championship.
by Sparhawk on Oct 1, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a much better way of putting it.
Just not enough of them. When people say the Braves have bad fans, it boils my blood. Why insult the people who are supporting the team; they are the only ones who will hear your rant? (i.e. "preaching to the choir).
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by sddbaker on Oct 1, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's stop using the term "blame"
Because it’s not the fans’ fault that Diaz got caught up in the moment, or the fans’ fault that Vazquez decided to not throw another complete game gem, or the fans’ fault that there’s a laundry list of mistakes the players/staff made at home that might have cost us a crucial game or five in the standings.
Criticize all the people in Atlanta all you want for not supporting their team, but don’t blame the fans for not coming out, for they’ve all got reasons, some better than others, that you’re not aware of, for their perpetual absenteeism.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Oct 1, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hola stranger!
People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by mvandonsel on Oct 1, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Atlanta, Ga
The excuse most people have for not going to the game is Atlanta. Atlanta is not like most cities in that most people work in the city do not live inside of 285. So it is hard to get off work at 4-5, fight your way through traffic to get the kids and make it back to the city in time to make the game. Then on top of that to have to do that throughout the week if you have season tickets is even harder. Look at the average attendance on the weekends and it is substantially higher. Games over the weekends are easier to attend. Its not just that way for the Braves though, its all sports in Atlanta…
by happyplayer23 on Oct 1, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a good ride while it lasted. A really crazy and bumpy ride at that, but still good.
To think a team like the Braves and Giants, all pitching and no hitting, almost made the playoffs. If either team gets some hitters, next year could be scary.
A bit off topic:
I worked late last night and listened to the game on the radio while driving home. I could barely hear the fans in crucial moments. It’s just sad and the teams deserves better. Is the stadium just too damn big to fill or what? I just recall too many post-seasons with empty seats.
by Sparhawk on Oct 1, 2009 8:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
If you think a mistake that would be more forgivable if made any time of the year other than last night would change that, you’re out of your mind.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
by royhobbs on Oct 1, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was just a posed question to see if he would be tossed under the bus. However, in my opinion, plays like that count more when the season is truly on the line than just another game in June. It IS a mistake that costs MORE last night than any other time of the year, just like Vasquez’ poor start cost the Braves last night more than any other poor start during the season (just my opinion). Diaz is still cool in my book, why couldn’t that have happened to Norton?
by CharlotteChop18 on Oct 1, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ABSOLUTELY
Matty D is my hero.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by sddbaker on Oct 1, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
He still rules, but wtf?
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
Chief! Do your anti-rain dance!!! Now, damn it! Now!!!
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Oct 1, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I felt sick
for Matty D last night. A great player. I hope he dosesn’t slash his wrist or anything crazy like that. We need him next year. If it makes him feel any better I’ll take the blame. I was in a sports store the other day & they still had a Braves T w/Francouers name on it. I think it brushed my arm when I walked by it.
by adc62 on Oct 1, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you see him in the postgame interview?
He’ll be okay. He almost got a little choked up when talking about how his teammates gave him some pats on the butt. (That sentence sounds a little weird…).
He’s well grounded in several ways. Let’s just say he’s got a BIG supporter.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by sddbaker on Oct 1, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Braves have a great chance at reversing their record from last season. For that, Frank Wren deserves GM of the Year. Matt Diaz has proven to be a real ballplayer and deserves a full-time job in the outfield next season. Hey, it could have been anyone last night. That’s baseball. Whatever happened last night, the Braves and their fans need to put it behind them and focus on sweeping the Nationals. I’m not worried about the Wild Card this year; the Braves will be in the playoffs next year, probably as NL East Champions.
by John Holton on Oct 1, 2009 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Last night’s loss was very devastating, but although that pickoff may have summed up the Braves season, it’s not over yet. I’m still holding out hope that the Rockies falter and the Braves can sweep the Nats this weekend to force a playoff. Until the Braves are officially eliminated, I’m not giving up on this team. This team has fought like hell to get back in the playoff race and I’m very proud of the way they’ve played to get here. I’ll be hoping the baseball gods will be on our side this weekend.
by Fat Dingflyer on Oct 1, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Your fanhood is greater than mine then. I really don’t think the Rocks go 0-4 and we go 4-0 over the course of the rest of this week.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Oct 1, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think no one feels as bad about last night's game ending play than the Caveman himself.
His post game interview showed you just how much of a stand up guy he is…he could have declined. They said Prado had to be consoled after the game because he felt like he was waving him home and may have contributed to the play as well. They were devastated – and like us fans were in a state of shock in the way the game ended.
However, in spite of this mental hiccup – Matty D has been an integral part of our team this year and one of the main reasons we were even in the hunt for the playoffs at all. We know that and the team knows that. You could tell it was emotional for him to even speak about and I’m glad the guys on the team showed him some strong support last night.
I’m going to enjoy these last 4 games because it will be a long winter without the Braves to watch and I’m already wanting April to get here!
by NCChopper on Oct 1, 2009 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
our season is over :( curse you marlins I hope we sweep you in every series we play you; you deserve it right along with the philies
but at least I have the Falcons, Hawks, and Thrashers to take my mind of the Braves
by southman on Oct 1, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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