Sakes Alive! 16-to-5! Braves Annihilate Cubs in Home Opener
by gondeee on Apr 5, 2010 8:26 PM EDT
in Braves Game Recaps
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It wasn't a good day for baseball... if you're a Cubs fan, but if you happen to be a Braves fan, then this day could not have been scripted any better. All eyes were on Atlanta's newest franchise player, outfielder Jason Heyward, and as if foreshadowing things to come, the young rookie caught the ceremonial first pitch from Braves legend, and fabled homerun hitter, Hank Aaron. Then with the scored tied at 3 in the first inning, he came to the plate for his first major league at-bat with two runners on. The Ted was already alive with excitement, and the entire crowd was already standing at the anticipation of seeing this your phenom's first big league moment.
Carlos Zambrano delivered the first pitch to the 6-foot-4 Heyward; ball one. The second pitch was another ball; the patience of Heyward was on display in his first big league at-bat. And with the third pitch the Legend of Jason Heyward was off and running. In a picture perfect swing he CRUSHED, and I mean CRUSHED the ball deep beyond the right field fence and into the back for the Braves bullpen for a three-run homerun. Welcome to the big leagues, kid (this stuff is supposed to be hard, you know).
That homerun was a no-doubter. The Cubs right fielder trotted respectfully towards the right field wall without even looking up. The crowd went absolutely nuts, and when I saw absolutely nuts, I mean people were jumping all around, high-fiving everyone within reach. It was like that homerun had won the World Series or something, people were hysterically exuberant. It was an amazing moment for Jason Heyward, and an amazing moment for anyone who was there.
There were some other players on the field today too, and many of them wearing a Braves uniform had good games. Brian McCann essentially said to Jason Heyward one inning later, "what ever you can do I can do better," and hit one of his patented moon shot homeruns 10 rows deep to right field.
Yunel Escobar had a great day, driving in five runs. In fact, the 6th and 7th spots in the lineup, Escobar and Heyward, combined to drive in nine runs! Everyone in the lineup except for Melky Cabrera had a hit, but Melk had some great at-bats, taking the count full three times and seeing 31 pitches on the day. As if rubbing salt in the Cubs pitching wound, even pinch hitter Eric Hinske joined the fray with a run-scoring triple in the seventh inning.
I can't remember the last time the Braves put together two 6-run innings in one game. Do we have any amateur Elias Sports Bureau folks out there?
Starting pitcher Derek Lowe couldn't find his way through the middle of the Cubs order, but despite giving up five runs he gets the win. I think we should officially call that a "DerekLoweWin."
What a great game. There are a thousand more positive things that could probably be said about today's game, but all we really needed was number-22. If the first game is any indication, this is going to be a fun season.
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unreal
I have to say the best moment I’ve ever seen live….I couldn’t breath or talk I was screaming so loud!
by ottie on Apr 5, 2010 8:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
100% agree
i’ve been there for many playoff moments (95 world series win, 99 walk off to go to the WS, furcal walk off vs the cubs) and this was definitely up there. UNREAL!
BTW...
i took a live video of his first AB from the stands with a digital video camera… it is shaky and you can’t exactly see the ball going out, but you can see/hear the crowd go nuts. i’ll try to upload asap
Yes do that!
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- you know he's going to get you, you just don't know where or when."
by Scott Coleman on Apr 5, 2010 8:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That was a rather enjoyable baseball game.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- you know he's going to get you, you just don't know where or when."
by Scott Coleman on Apr 5, 2010 8:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Everything except for Lowe.
Let's Go Braves!
by romone_braves91 on Apr 5, 2010 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
+1 on this
I know that Lowe is really the 4th starter going on opening day — but he looked every bit like the bad-Lowe of last year. Tons of ball hit hard, all of them in the air. Two long balls, and three more that could have been damage. Two of them Nate ran down, and the third the Braves are the beneficiary of a weak ump’ing effort.
Disappointed that Lowe was nothing at all like opening day Lowe last year. No reason to panic yet, but after a one-game sample that “new delivery” didn’t do him any good.
Let's give him...
another start or two before making that judgment. That new delivery, from all reports, looked good and had good results in spring training.
"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
Am I a pussy for being on the verg or tears after seeing Chipper hug Heyward?
4/4/10
The Braves will win 90 games this year.
Yes and No
No for being in tears, Yes for admitting it.
by gondeee on Apr 5, 2010 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
haha sweet reply gondee... wow that was an amazing game. Our lineup looks pretty tough 1-8
by BravesFanScout on Apr 5, 2010 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Our lineup looks pretty tough12-8
FTFY, Melky didn’t do squat. If Zambrano had any grasp of the strikezone at all he would not have even reached- even the starting pitcher and pinch hitter got hits, but not the Milk Man.
I beg to differ. Melky saw more pitches than anyone else in the lineup. Even if he got on base only once, his at-bats were productive.
Wrong.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I disagree
Melky may not have hit, but he saw a tremendous amount of pitches. Out of the 116 pitches thrown by Cubs pitchers yesterday, Cabrera watched 31 of them. In fact, including Chipper, Heap, Glaus, and McLouth, there were five Braves that saw over 20 pitches. Sure, Zambrano was wild and couldn’t find the strike zone, but I can think of at least two other former Braves who would have still probably struck out in similar instances. This patience, if it is the norm for this year, I have even higher expectations.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
I’m right there with you, screw what everyone else thinks
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 5, 2010 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
The Heyward event, the HR in first AB and the celebration with the team and the curtain call, was one of those moments you can not forget for a long time. Welcome to the Heyward era.
Let's Go Braves!
by romone_braves91 on Apr 5, 2010 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I was screaming like a little school girl after the HR
And I’m pretty positive everyone in my appartment complex heard me. So don’t feel bad.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- you know he's going to get you, you just don't know where or when."
by Scott Coleman on Apr 5, 2010 8:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I scared my office.
"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
Yeah
I was watching the Gamecast on my computer and all of a sudden I blurted out “You’ve got to be s***ting me!” My staff looked at me with fear that I was tearing apart her work when I really was just in joy over Jay-Hey. All in all, a great day.
http://hobnailboot.wordpress.com/
I was going,
“Oh my god, oh my god” over and over… I’m still buzzing now, more than 5 hours later
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Apr 5, 2010 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
MAN
My feet are killing me! I loved the hell out of this game but I am NEVER doing standing room tickets again. I’ve just gotta realize that I’m a sitter not a stander.
probably was not drunk enough to ignore the pain.
Let's Go Braves!
by romone_braves91 on Apr 5, 2010 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve never been to a Braves game with standing room tickets. Where is the designated “standing room” area?
It’s above the 200 level on the upper concourse. It’s actually probably the best standing room area in all of baseball, but after four hours it’s kind of tough. But if you’re tougher than me (not hard) then it’s a great deal and a great view.
Hopefully there will be more games like this one during the season with a packed and rocking Turner Field.
Agreed, great view & great deal. Does hurt the feet (at the beginning of the season) if you don’t wander over to one of the picnic tables and sit for a bit. At least until your ass starts hurting from the metal grid seats. :)
You’re an embarrassment. At least you didn’t have Shipwreck standing next to you the whole game.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 5, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
D-lowe
not to rain on the parade…. but…. isnt’ anyone worried about the D-train? He kind of sucked today.
Beckett and Sabathia sucked too, they all should be cut.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 5, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
good point.
aigt, I feel better already.
by Braves Biceps on Apr 5, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Becks sucks cause he’s tipping his pitches. Just like Smoltz did last year for the Red Sox. That pitching staff is not doing their job to save their players.
Let's Go Braves!
by romone_braves91 on Apr 5, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
but I can remember all too often a pitcher giving up a lot of runs on opening day and then have a great season… plus we got the W and he settled down long enough to go 6… if that’s one of his worst performances I’ll take it, especially for a #4 starter
No.
"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
I didn’t think DLowe was all that terrible there was absolutely no corners getting called today, thats what happens when you gotta throw it down the middle to get a strike when facing big leaguers.
by scottsharp76 on Apr 5, 2010 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I wasn't worried...
Until you gave him the “D-Train” moniker. That’s the kiss of death- that other pitcher from our division that used to go by that, you know, that 20-game winner someoneorother, still hasn’t recovered.
Question for anyone at the game...
Did the guy who sang God Bless America in te 7th inning sound as good live as he did on TV? It was one of the better performances I’ve seen from a non-superstar musician.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- you know he's going to get you, you just don't know where or when."
by Scott Coleman on Apr 5, 2010 8:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Just thought I'd share this...
I had the game on and my wife was in the room. Jason Heyward came to the plate. The conversation proceeded as follows:
Her: My god, that is a BIG baseball player…
Me: Yeah. He’s around 6"5’, 245lbs.
Her: What the hell is he doing playing baseball? He could be a linebacker for any team in the NFL.
Me: Probably.
Her: No, seriously. Why do they need a guy his size in baseball? He’s a Mack Truck!
Me: They don’t, but are YOU going to tell the Mack Truck that he can’t play baseball?
Her: I see your point…
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on Apr 5, 2010 8:54 PM EDT reply actions
When my fiancee saw him today on TV,
she said he “Looked like a truck.” So apparently that is a common thing to think
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Apr 5, 2010 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
he is quite a beast
The guy is just looks like a monster when he gets to the plate. Just that alone has to be intimidating to pitchers.
When I pointed him out to my wife
She had to ask me what his name was and I had to politely ask her to leave the room for forgetting.
"These days, anytime one of my pitchers keeps Murphy in the ball park, I pat 'em on the fanny" - Pete Rose
THIS IS BRAVES COUNTRY
Still on post-game after glow. If I smoked, I’d be taking a nice long suggestive drag right now. Lots of details, words, pictures, and stories to come.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
My glow got brighter when we stopped at a gas station in Chattanooga on our way home, and lo and behold there was a couple decked out in Cubs gear at the same station. We tipped our caps, thanked them for Carlos Zambrano, and continued home with their dejected Cubbie faces tipping toward the pavement… Good times.
Awesome lineup!
I really like our hitting lineup. Esco 6 spot and Nate in the 8th were great. Melk man working the count at lead off. This should be a pretty interesting year to say the least.
Let's Go Braves!
Bullpen
Also, didn’t the bullpen not give up even one hit? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m impressed!!
Lowe could have given up 15 runs today and still would have gotten then win haha
by McGriff the Crime Dog on Apr 5, 2010 9:20 PM EDT reply actions
+1
I know it’s easy to voerlook this on a day we scored 16 runs, but Moylan, Saito and Wagner were filthy…
MileHighReport.com member since 02/06/07, promoted to "Position Coach" (i.e. new staff writer) on 02/16/10!
Yeah,
They looked downright dominant. If they can be even close to that this year, we are going to be VERY good
"Yeah, and I have an enchanted jock strap." -- Karl Karlson
by Jacob Peterson on Apr 5, 2010 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Ummmm………I can’t seem to find any information about today’s game online. Did the Braves win? Did Heyward have a good debut?
Heh.
tUMD Hockey: In search of a title! But probably not this year.
We lost 10-4
Lowe sucked and Zambrano was ON- we scratched out 4 in the ninth against Samardjaa Zamardzizza Jeff, but it just wasn’t enough…
Jason Heyward
started his career with a bang, I mean, bomb. Compare the articles.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090405&content_id=4133640&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100405&content_id=9088530&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
The future is here...in the form of Jason Heyward.
Just saw highlights of the game.
Even though I knew it was coming, I still got a HUGE smile on my face when I saw it go out.
NYY fan here...
just wanted a say what an awesome moment that was. He’s an impressive talent and I look forward to watching him play this season and beyond.
lol
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
The best part
The best part of the whole moment was watching his Dad go nuts in the stands. Had to be one of the top top moments of that man’s life. That’s what brought chills to me.
Same.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Does anyone have a torrent of this game?
I can make an amazing montage…..
Chipper wants YOU at Turner Field.
"(Jason Heyward) is like the Grim Reaper -- you know he's going to get you, you just don't know where or when."
Great day indeed.
Let’s hope the rookie can stay hot, and the rest of the lineup can follow suit. If our newcomers to the lineup can contribute like they should, we could end up with one of the most potent offenses in the league.
War Eagle
I became a huge Billy Wagner fan when the big screen at Turner Field played the clip from Tombstone (one of my favorite movies) where Kurt Russell says “You tell em’ i’m coming, and hell’s coming with me!”, then “Enter Sandman”. That was so badass.
"Matt Diaz is a baseball player."-Joe Simpson
Haha, that sounds great.
"SIGN PUJOLS OR FIRE WREN" ~ Swo12bv
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 6, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I just got goosebumps!!!!
What manager John Russell thought when Morton hit J-Hey with a pitch, "Would you mind not shooting at the thermonuclear weapons!"
by I Saw Buzz Beaned on Apr 6, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Man I wish there was a game today.
Yesterday’s awesome start made my appetite for baseball even worse than it already was.
Excuse me Mr. Heyward: “Thank you sir, may I have another?”
Counting the hours until Wednesday’s game……
"When all is said and done, more is said than done." - Lou Holtz
awesome
I’ve been a Braves fan since i was about 5 (’90) and have never gone down to Atlanta for a game.
This year it is almost guaranteed I am going to see a game at Turner Field..
Chipper, Bobby, Heyward.
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