Braves Lose 3-1 In Series Opener
The Braves offense and defense did not come to the park in support of rookie Brandon Beachy tonight. The young right-hander pitched well in 4.1 innings but earned a loss in his first career start. Bobby Cox opted to let him hit with Alex Gonzalez at second in the top of the fourth. In the bottom half of the inning, Jason Heyward committed a three base error and Placido Polanco drove him in with an RBI ground-out. Beachy stayed in to face Utley but after he singled he was removed from the game.
Heyward's error was the key play of the game, which shifted momentum in the Phillies favor. The Braves did have opportunities though, especially in the second inning. After Brian McCann doubled in Derrek Lee, Matt Diaz singled right behind McCann. Brian had to wait to see if the ball got through and held up at third base. With runners on the corners and nobody out, Alex Gonzalez struck out. Melky Cabera followed that poor effort by grounding into a double play to end the inning. The next opportunity was the fourth when Cox elected not to pinch hit for Beachy.
The fifth inning was just a poorly played and managed inning overall. Cox brought in Eric O'Flaherty to face Ryan Howard and Chase Utley stole second base. Martin Prado forgot to catch the ball which gave Utley the opportunity to advance to third. O'Flaherty, the LOOGY, immediately walked Howard and then walked Jayson Werth before finally recording an out against Raul Ibanez, but a run scored on his ground out.. Peter Moylan relieved O'Flaherty and pitched very well in 1.1 innings pitched. Michael Dunn and Kyle Farnsworth also pitched scoreless innings.
Offensively, Jason Heyward and Derrek Lee were really the only productive players, aside from McCann's lone hit in his RBI double. Lee had two singles while Heyward had an infield single and a walk. The Braves need to hit and play better defense, but they also need their manager to make better decisions throughout the game. He also needs to not play a guy like Melky Cabrera because he can bat right-handed, especially not against a pitcher who's best pitch is a changeup.
The best part of the game was Matt Diaz tripping a red-suited fan who ran onto the field.
Tomorrow, Mike Minor faces Roy Halladay. The best news about this is that two of the Phillies three best hitters are left-handed, so Howard and Utley will likely only face southpaws tomorrow night. Let's get them tomorrow.
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I spit my drink everywhere when they cut to the clip of Diaz
I really didn’t expect a red suited man to be on the field. And not that police aren’t allowed on the field, doesn’t that only entice people to run onto the field even more? This doesn’t seem logical.
I enjoyed the IASIP reference
I’d love to see Diaz make a cameo on the show.
by Few_Proud_Brave on Sep 20, 2010 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
IASIP?
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
People got upset and found the tazing excessive
I admit, I did as well. But when it happened the SECOND night – and during Cole’s windup in the 9th inning of a complete game shutout, no less – I said fuck it. As far as I’m concerned, if some little high school prick from Jersey who wouldn’t know Mickey Morandini from his own asshole thinks it’s funny or that he’ll get attention by delaying the game and throwing our guys off their rhythm, I say to hell with it – use live rounds.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
wouldn’t know Mickey Morandini from his own asshole
Most people wouldn’t, at least if there was a photo array involved.
A Phillie Fan would
which is my point. I love sell-outs and increased revenue as much as the next person, but some of these newer “fans” who don’t know that running on the field in an important game when your team is doing well is a bad – and incredibly douchey – move infuriate me.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I know, I getcha
I was just taking a cheap shot at Morandini, who was a frighteningly ugly man.
All true fans want to shove bandwagoneers under the wheels.
Agreed on all counts
and you beat me to my “humor fail” mea culpa below by one minute, Dammit!
; )
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, and Hahaha
sorry, humor FAIL.
Still kinda pissed that some douchenozzle ran on the field.
Even more upset that I now kinda like Diaz.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m a lifelong Phils fan, and if new fans want to jump on board the bandwagon I say the more the merrier. Please stop with the fan snobbery. It doesn’t matter if they know who Mickey Morandini or how many HRs Mike Schmidt hit or if they only have a vague idea that Richie Asburn was once Harry Kalas’ colorman. And it isn’t only “new fans” or “fans from NJ” who do stupid things. Think about those asswipes who beat that guy to death after the game…where were they from, and how old were they?
Wait...
y’all beat someone to death after a game? Phily fans just got even lower somehow.
That said, I agree with the overall point of taze their ass. Run on to the field, there’s no point in trying to tackle them, just light ‘em up and get back to the game swiftly. Less chance of injury, and if some fool with a heart condition decides to run on the field and has a problem from the shock, that’s their own dumbass fault.
I'm sorry I don't keep myself abreast of Philadelphia fan shenanigans...
beating people to death, booing Santa, puking on off duty police and young children, among so many other incidents; sure do earn that extremely poor reputation don’t ya?
by Mr. Sanchez on Sep 21, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
yup
unfortunately that last statement of yours is true… for a while i was a ‘snob fan’ and didn’t ‘enjoy’ these antics, but the truth is: it’s funny. it’s really funny. i loved the ‘redman’ last night. i go to baseball games to be entertained, and that was entertaining… the best one i ever saw was a few years ago, after a rain delayed sunday afternooner, a guy ran out barefoot – evaded like, 8 boys in blue, then crawled into the giant tube as they were rollin the tarp up! hahaha that was great.
addendum: i like the non-violent shenanigans… fwiw i gave diaz mad props for doin what he did because the game was being delayed, but i wouldn’t want the phillies players getting involved, what if he injured himself somehow? he earned my respect but i question him getting involved at all… i bet he got blasted after the game by his coaches…
by PHIGHTINPHILS on Sep 21, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Golfer Peter Jacobsen tackles a streaker at the 1985 British Open
http://.youtube,com/watch?v=LU1NoEHhZA
Write your own recap!.....mvhsbball
Link fail, sorry
Pretty funny clip
Write your own recap!.....mvhsbball
They were 22 and from Fishtown
and they were at the bar attached to the park for a bachelor party well after the game was open. They were drunken douchebags, and no, they were not from Jersey (I’ll refrain from an “exception that proves the rule” argument).
I don’t mind new fans either. Just learn the rules, don’t act like a fool. Game’s not about the people in the stands. FOR us, maybe. Not ABOUT us.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Game was over*
Spelling Fail
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks for posting.
I hate Matt Diaz a lot less now, and the tip of the cap was pretty cool. Good stuff.
No problem. Was my first one. How do I get the italics under my comments?
by Few_Proud_Brave on Sep 20, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
A few strange things there....
aside from the clown in the red suit, I’ve NEVER seen Phillies fans cheer for an opposing player/coach, and proabalby never will again. Secondly, I’ve never actually laughed that hard while the Braves were losing. The loss sucks, but that made it a litlle less painful. And Bilzo, you’re a cool dude, thanks for being reasonable during all of this.
How do I get the italics under my comments?
Click on your name up at the top of the page, next to “SB Nation” When you go to the next page, click on “Edit profile” and when you’re taken to that page, write in whatever you want in the block marked “Signature” then click “Update” at the bottom of the page. After that, it will start appearing with your new posts.
by Sam Jethroe on Sep 20, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Also nice see the phans in Raul’s section applauding Diaz’s heroics.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
If Heyward makes that catch it a way different game
"I'm gonna get drunk and play video games till my eyes bleed"- It's Always Sunny in Philly
We can't beat the Phils
While making a bunch if errors. Not gonna happen. Hopefully, we’ll come to play defensively tomorrow night.
Diaz’s tackle was cool.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
by Jman781 on Sep 20, 2010 10:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Dude your banned so quit posting and watching lol!
Also take the curse of the “Already a lock?” thread with ya lol!
It's not Scott's fault.
It’s Heyward’s. He sucks. He should be moved down in the lineup, if kept at all. I think we should DFA him.
Carpe Diaz
All I know is
When he threatened to “stop watching” at the end of the Nats series the Braves reeled swept the Mets and played error free ball. As soon as he returns wham an error and we lose again!
tough game
Beachy pitched good in his debut and the bullpen pitched good as well besides EOF having a little trouble with his control. 10+ games left, 5 with the Phils, 4 games back, and leading the WC by 2. We can still win the division
I definitely agree with the first statement. Prado has struggle little bit, but he has been getting some hits. Then again, I guess I wouldn’t mind Prado getting the day off if that means Mr. Clutch starting in CBP.
Well
DOB posted how he has been dealing with a sore leg for the last few weeks. Give the guy an off day. Our organization loves to force players to play through these little injuries until they become something big and instead of them sitting out a few games when it first happens they play 3 weeks hurt then miss another 3 weeks recovering.
I hope tomorrow our lineup looks like
Infante
McLouth
Heyward
Lee
McCann
Gonzalez
Diaz
Conrad
by drumzalicious on Sep 20, 2010 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
yea that wouldn't be a bad idea
Mclouth
Infante
Heyward
Lee
McCann
Gonzalez
Diaz
Conrad
well
I batted McLouth 2nd because he has more power than Infante. I would rather an Infante single followed by a McLouth double than an Infante double followed by a soft single that McLouth can’t score on.
Plus hitting in front of Heyward would give McLouth a lot of good pitches to hit.
by drumzalicious on Sep 20, 2010 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
well
sometimes contact can be worse than a strike out as contact can result in a DP.
by drumzalicious on Sep 20, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Just ask Prado...
I think all they need to do is flip flop Heyward and Prado. I agree that McLouth should get the start tonight, but I think Prado needs to be in there, as much as he has struggled lately. He’s bound to come out of it. Maybe with Heyward hitting behind him he’ll see some better pitches. They way he has been hitting, there is no reason to pitch to Heyward.
by michaelcooksey on Sep 21, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Beachy with only 1 earned run - deserved a better fate (how many times have our SPs dealt with this)
Defense needs to focus. 55 Errors since the break is the most in the majors – ouch.
We hit more than they did tonight, and should have put more pressure on Hamels.
2 more games – let’s DO this.
"Thanks Bobby" ------>
"Curve: The loveliest distance between two points." ~ Mae West
Melky should just stay in the hotel tomorrow
Unlimited room service!
Who'd you rather have?
Melky
Frenchy
Ankiel
Blind squirrel
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
Squirrel. Squirrels are cute.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Sep 21, 2010 11:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
7-6 Our record vs. the Phillies this year
The ball could have been different, if Alex Gonzalez didn’t strike out with runner on 1st and 3rd and no out. This wasn’t the cleanest game for the Braves (what an understatement) but even them, we were at one point just a few feet away from tying the game (Prado’s drive just went foul).
We need a better showing tomorrow.
by LEastCoastBears on Sep 20, 2010 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
again
I wouldn’t mind the WC. We’d play the Reds. Does anyone hear really fear the Reds? SRSLY? Or even if the Padres have a better record, we’ve owned them this year. Their hitting + out pitching WINNAR. Then we get NLCS matchup against Philly. No way they win.
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
why doyou guys talk about changing the lineup after every loss??? its not gonna change significantly…live wit it
braves arent gonna get the wild card either. the phils are gonna sweep themout of first place of the wild card, the west will get it
Do you ever post anything positive?
I haven’t banned you because you’ve been around for a year and a half, but you’re getting close.
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
by Scott Coleman on Sep 20, 2010 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought hurricane season was over........
by bravesguy311 on Sep 21, 2010 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe, but I highly doubt it.
I certainly can’t accept it until it is true. We really aren’t in that bad of a position and I truly believe that we will see playoff action.
yes for sure
In fact, Braves entire organization is going to collapse. NO MOAR BASEBALL FOR UZ
If I have to explain my username to you, you're obviously a Philly fan.
"Kill my boss?! Do I dare live out the American dream?" - Homer Simpson
I thought it was a terribly managed game. Beachy should have at least completed the 5th.
Since he wasn’t pinch hit for in top of the 5th. I also felt Moylan should have came in to face Werth hopefully induce a double play….. Lastly, I think McLouth has been hitting well enough lately to get PT against lefties and righties. McLouth is going to do just as well against the lefties as Melky. Sometimes Bobby out manages himself…. but really this game goes down to defense. Our defense failed us tonight. It is the main reason we lost….. and leaving a runner on 3rd with no outs will also come back to haunt you most nights.
by BravesFanScout on Sep 20, 2010 11:09 PM EDT reply actions
But I have a good feeling about tomorrow and we normally hit Oswalt pretty well. SOO
even though tonight was a downer. We can still take 2 of 3 and cut the lead to 2. It’s just one game….. Let’s hope bobby soon realizes Prado should be batting 2nd and Heyward should be batting 3rd. I think teams are starting to pitch around Heyward a little bit due to Prado’s struggles.
by BravesFanScout on Sep 20, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t recall Heyward being pitched around once tonight
Hey Dez, it's 2am do you know where your mother is?
by sowhatifitisasportste on Sep 20, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I personally don't think they give him that much to hit (in the past few weeks). But either way. Heyward is your
prototypical 3 hole hitter. Not Prado. Heyward might see a few more pitches to hit with McCann hitting behind him.
by BravesFanScout on Sep 20, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Most of us have wanted something of the kind for weeks.
I would go with him, then Lee (especially now that he’s making more consistent contact) and Mac, with any of several possible guys at #6. L-R-L is sequence and each guy gets protection.
Prado excelled most of the yar at the top of the order. We’ve been like a diesel truck full of unleaded since he was moved to #3.
by Sam Jethroe on Sep 20, 2010 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Good recap.
Cox deserves a serious share of the blame for this game, starting with writing Melky’s name in the lineup. People knew that was a pending disaster in the damn open thread.
I blame Heyward mostly
…but we’re really going to need Prado to start hitting. We also need to stop beating ourself with our poor defensive play. If we can win one of these next two games I will be happy with that outcome.
That near homer.....
by Prado followed by the GIDB was a puch to our morale’s testicles. It’s impossible to say what would have happened if we tied the game, but anything would have been better than that. Hamels pitched pretty damn good too.
Never put those words together in a sentence. "punch" and "testicles"
The base paths belonged to me, the runner. The rules gave me the right. I always went into a bag full speed, feet first. I had sharp spikes on my shoes. If the baseman stood where he had no business to be and got hurt, that was his fault. -Ty Cobb
Here's what Heyward had to say about the error the AJC's DOB
JASON HEYWARD
On the fly ball off his glove, Cox said it knuckled
"That’s exactly what happened. I got a great jump off the bat. He inside-outed it and it got in the wind. I was right there the whole way. I wanted to hurry and get under it as fast as possible, and the last few rotations took it out of my reach. There was nothing I could do about that."
"You hate to let a runner get on third base with less than two outs, but nothing I could do different about that one."
That cost one run.
It put a guy on third with no outs. They got him in.
We had a guy on third earlier in that same situation, (with a buddy across the way on first, just for good measure.) He stayed there.
Matt Diaz is my new hero. at least until he screws over the phillies. Great game, look forward to the next two and the next series. Hope the braves make it to the playoffs too. Phillies Braves NLCS would be epic.
"Who's Been Eatin' Hummus" DJAX
by howard is better than pujols on Sep 21, 2010 12:37 AM EDT reply actions
Well said
Seriously… I can’t believe I now smile when I think of a Philly Killer, but the trip of that assclown in red (besmirching the Phils and It’s Always Sunny… disgraceful) has taken him off my “On Notice” board and onto my “Cool Guy” board (for now… we’ll see what happens the next time he hits one out against us…)
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I think I should start watching that show
I don’t get the reference there.
That body-stocking the idiot had one is a red version of THIS GUY from It’s Always Sunny.
And you should definitely set the DVR. The show is hysterical.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I really wish
The Office would get it’s shit together. The first three seasons or so had a ton of literal LOL moments in every episode, and the whole Jim-Pam-Roy thing was perfectly done to balance out the show.
Now…ugh.
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
by Scott Coleman on Sep 21, 2010 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions
That's why I sometimes think the British have the better format
No “seasons”, just “Series.” You write and shoot 9 – 12 eps together and they air for that number of weeks without repeats.
If it’s successful enough to warrant another run, you do the 2nd series. If you approach each season/series as if it’s possibly the last instead of finding out just how long you can stretch it until or beyond the magic syndication number, perhaps we’d end up with better quality from our sitcoms, the British “Office” being the perfect example.
Then again, this lack of stability can have the negative side effect of leaving fans feeling that their favorite show ended far too early (i.e. – me and “Spaced”).
I actually feel like the new crop of American basic cable shows have struck the right balance.
You’ve got half-hour comedies like “Always Sunny” and “Louie” on FX, and Dramas like “Rescue Me” (also on FX), “Burn Notice” and others on USA, or “The Closer” on TNT. Just like the British system, they have 9-12 eps written out, then shot and completed and run for a couple months just like a miniseries might. But many of them – unlike their British counterparts – actually come back for a “2nd half” of the season for another run of 12.
Not only does this allow for a solid string of eps without an annoying repeat week, but you don’t sit around for half a year and then have to remember what the hell happened the last time a new show aired. It’s also often beautifully timed, in the case of USA and TNT, in that the 1st half of the season starts in the summer when shows on the big 3 are going into their summer hiatus, while the 2nd half picks up just after the new year when the Big 3 take a huge break before February Sweeps, aka: The month of annoying tie-in promotions and slumping-A-lister Stunt Guests.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 21, 2010 4:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I've been told!
I need to start watching tv. I only watch baseball!
by E-Lizz on Sep 21, 2010 10:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
One reason tonight wasn't a total loss.

This goes down in the “pictures I never though would ever exist” category.
by E-Lizz on Sep 21, 2010 12:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
i dont like diaz using his knee there
go for the big hit with the shoulder. that would have been the worst way to blow out a knee
"IN THE AIR LEFT FIELD- THAT'LL DO IT!... AND IT KEEPS ON GOING; THAT IS A HOMERUN!"
Dude, I know. I kinda still can’t believe it happened. Glad it did though…
by tomahawklove on Sep 21, 2010 3:37 AM EDT up reply actions
BOOKED: M. DIAZ (Yellow)

[Mets] GM Omar Minaya confirmed to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Mets aren't going to fire any coaches today. July 26, 2010.
"What was more odd than that pitch being low is that Jeff Francoeur didn't swing at it." -- Jim Powell, Aug. 4, 2010.
The new D.E.N.N.I.S. system
D Diaz has had
E Enough of this asshole.
N Time to put a kNee into his works
N And kNock him on his ass.
I Incarceration
S Seems imminent for Mr. Douchebag.
Ahhh
after a hard loss, a cold one and some of Drake’s first two mixtapes make it all better.
'Terrible preview...pretty weak, didn't learn anything new. pretty sad." - mastermike
How was Beachy in this game?
I missed the telecast because of work, but kept up with the game on my phone. How did Beachy’s stuff look. I’ve read various things from KLaw and other scouts on him, but really wanted to see him pitch tonight, in this particular situation.
From the box score, it looks like he was on the short end of the stick. Otherwise, I love the Braves’ pitching depth going into the next few seasons. Just really want to win this one too…
Morton hit Heyward with an offspeed pitch. Early indication is that the baseball survived the impact.
The only really bad pitch he threw
Was the hanging curve to Ruiz that tied the game. He’s got a solid fastball and his breaking stuff was decent. He walked 3, which I would attribute mostly to nerves. Nonetheless, his mound presence, like Joe said, was good. An encouraging debut.
I thought for a while he might beat the odds but between people not seeming to know the game situation and how to approach at bats accordingly (swing at a 3-1, Melky…you didn’t do enough damage with the DP) and the clubhouse guy spilling ball repellent all over the gloves, we spent too much time stomping on our own foot.
Phils hit a couple other liners off him right at people. There weren’t any balls off the wall or HR saving catches needed, but he only fanned one guy (Utley…who he made look stoopid) and had to rely a lot on his defense. The wind blowing in from LF helped his as well (and Hamels too).
On a different night that outing could’ve gone much much worse.
Considering the circumstances, he did well
But he did NOT throw a good game. He was not locating well, and he got away with a lot. He really only threw one horrible pitch though (to Ruiz). Regardless, I thought he did great under the circumstances. That’s a lot of pressure for your first start. At least his line looked good.
This post is probably confusing to others, as it is to me.
Viva la Beachy!
He was also in his first big league start...
in a huge pressure spot, without having pitched to live batters in over two weeks. I’d say he’s likely to be less than at his best command wise under those circumstances.
by Mr. Sanchez on Sep 21, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
OK -- not great, not bad
His placement was a little sketchy, and he benefitted from wind (except for JHey’s E) issues, but it was a solid first outing. He totally could have gone longer, but they’re always yanked early in their first few starts.
He definitely had a few filthy moments, and I loved that his first MLB K was Ryan Howard!
Beachy already had my respect for the way he handled himself last night...
…and after reading his post game comments, even more so.
Beachy’s Comments After The Game HERE
"Thanks Bobby" ------>
"Curve: The loveliest distance between two points." ~ Mae West
So if that ball Prado crushed in the 6th...
lands 10 feet to the right, how many of these “we’re horrible” posts are put up?
1,000
We played well last night. We kept their offense in check. The bullpen looked (for the most part) great. Our offense didn’t look great, but Hamels was dealing. It happens.
Let’s forget yesterday. Today is more important.
I'd hesitate to say hamels was "dealing"...
he pitched well, and had a great final line. But there was a lot of hot shots that landed just foul, or were directly at fielders, that helped. We made some very good contact off him last night.
by Mr. Sanchez on Sep 21, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Has anyone starting to notice the drop in Prado's average?
Ever since he was moved to the 3 hole, we’ve been seeing a LOT of 0-3’s and 1-4’s from him. So with that in mind, WHY is Bobby continually putting Prado in the same lineup spot. Remember when our team really took off this season? Where was Prado batting then?
This should be our lineup…
Prado
Infante
Heyward
Lee
Mac
Gonzo
McLouth
Diaz
he's banged up
he’s only been in the 3 spot since he came back from the DL. I don’t think his drop in average has anything to do with his spot in the lineup, its just he’s not at full strength.

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