Atlanta Falls To Philadelphia 6-3

by SCrebel10 on Sep 7, 2011 12:45 AM EDT in Braves Game Recaps

One night after Atlanta was shutout by Cliff Lee, the Braves managed to get hits but couldn't drive in runs when they most needed to as they fell to the Phillies 6-3.

Philadelphia got things started early, as Chase Utley homered off Braves starter Tim Hudson in the bottom of the first inning with two outs to make it an early 1-0 game.

A single from Raul Ibanez scored Ryan Howard, making it a 2-0 game.

The Braves got on the board in the top of fourth inning when Dan Uggla launched his 33rd home run of the season to right-center field and cut Atlanta's deficit to 2-1.

A pair of singles from Chipper Jones and Freddie Freeman put the Braves in prime position to tie or take the lead, but back-to-back strikeouts by Alex Gonzalez and Jose Constanza and a groundout from Hudson ended the threat.

Atlanta did finally manage to tie the game in the sixth inning. An Uggla walk, a Chipper double, and a walk to Freeman loaded the bases for Gonzalez, who amazingly enough hit a sacrifice fly that scored Uggla and tied the game at 2.

Again, the Phillies got Constanza and Hudson out to escape another jam.

The rest after the jump.

The tie was short lived, as Philadelphia scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Ryan Howard walked, advanced to third on a Hunter Pence double, and scored on a wild pitch that Brian McCann could have gotten to to make it a 3-2 game.

Ibanez followed with a double to right that scored Pence and upped the advantage to 4-2 in favor of the home team.

Tim Hudson left after the sixth inning, finishing with a line of 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's.

In the seventh, Atlanta scored a run on a Dan Uggla ground ball, bringing in Michael Bourn who doubled to start the inning. Bourn's run cut the Braves deficit to 4-3.

In the bottom of the inning, Fredi Gonzalez chose to use reliever Cristhian Martinez, and that decision didn't turn out too well.

Martinez walked Shane Victorino and hit Placido Polanco with a pitch. Utley reached on a force out, with Polanco being out at second. Howard followed with a grounder that scored Victorino and made it a 5-3 game.

Another walk, this one to Pence, brought Ibanez to the plate, who singled home Utley to cap off the scoring at 6-3.

Vance Worley threw six good innings en route to a win and Ibanez finished 3-4 with 3 RBI's on the night.

PS: Sorry about the wait for the recap, had some internet issues tonight.

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Comments

I dont think the sky is falling

and I know we are pretty much a lock for the playoffs. But I think we have a team that is very capable of making a World Series push. However, Its getting to be that time where we need to start building some momentum in order to this

by Texastriplecrown on Sep 7, 2011 12:49 AM EDT reply actions

blame Irene

by brian23665 on Sep 7, 2011 3:07 AM EDT up reply actions

disappointing, no doubts about it

yet another series where the Braves need to win the rubber game to avoid a sweep

by LEastCoastBears on Sep 7, 2011 12:51 AM EDT reply actions

On the brightside, they seem to be doing well in those situations

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Howard and Utley coming up in the 7th

EOF rested, one run behind…

honestly, the horse is beaten and dead. It’s time to a make a movement to get FG replaced. There’s only so much basical level f-ckup I can handle. His managing decisions have directly cost us two games and have led to the punting of four other winnable games so far in 2011. No one is perfect. This is not an isolated string of bad decisions…it is habitual.

Leaving a righty with control issues to face Utley and Howard with EOF and Venters rested is possibly the dumbest thing I’ve seen him do yet.

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 12:51 AM EDT reply actions

pinch hitting for a switch hitter is up there

DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT

by leedawg on Sep 7, 2011 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions

I am TERRIFIED that this shit will continue in October. We will be the laughingstock of baseball if we lose games- and we will in a playoff atmosphere- because of decisions like this.

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Really?

“Leaving a righty with control issues to face Utley and Howard with EOF and Venters rested is possibly the dumbest thing I’ve seen him do yet.”

I don’t see it as a big deal. Those guys have been worked to death and they’ll likely be the key component for this team in the playoffs. Those 3 HAVE to be sharp come playoff time. I probably would’ve brought in O’Flaherty, but I don’t mind Fredi resting O’Ventbrel in games that they trail in with an 8.5 game lead in the WC with 20 or so games left.

I’m definitely not a fan of his, but it’s hard to justify a managerial hunt when a first-year manager’s club is a virtual lock for the playoffs. But if he’s his usual self in the playoffs and directly hurts their chances, I’ll likely reconsider.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Also

The Braves went 0-10 with RISP and left 10 men on base.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Which had essentially nothing to do with Fredi.

That's the thing about baseball, no time clock. Anything is possible until the last out.

by BravesFaninAZ on Sep 7, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

If making rational decisions was part of the pattern, I wouldn’t be so upset about this. I do not believe that Fredi did this because of the reasons you state, and I am also afraid of over-complacancy in terms of the big lead and not pushing to win close games. If there were 10 games left w/ an 8 game lead, I’d be more calm about it, but there’s still a chance to let things get too close for comfort. Afterall, we go to St. Louis over the weekend. Imagine going there with a 6 game lead and getting swept out there….it would be down to 3 with 14 to go. It’s not over until it’s over.

I don’t like the punting on 3rd and 8, which is what this was. No real effort was made from a managerial standpoint to win. I do NOT approve of this.

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions

“I do not believe that Fredi did this because of the reasons you state”

I can’t prove it, but I’d be willing to bet a small amount of cash on it being the case. It’s blatantly obvious that O’Ventbrel have been over-worked and the biggest reason as to why they’ve been over-worked is because Fredi Gonzalez uses them in seemingly every high-leverage situation after the 6th. This was high leverage situation, so what other reason could it be? I mean, he put in our long-relief guy out there instead of one of the 3 most dominant relievers in baseball. It can’t be out of pure stupidity, he had to of felt he had a justifiable reason to send Martinez out instead of one of those 3, and the most logical reason I can think of is……

1. They have a substantial lead on the playoff spot.
2. All 3 have been over-worked.
3. They’re the biggest strength the Braves would have in the playoffs.

I agree with you on them being overly complacent, that does worry me a bit.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Also, the double-header tomorrow very well could've played a role.....

I think he would’ve went to O’Flaherty or Venters if they were tied or ahead, to be fair.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions

They have been over worked yes, but are we going to use them at all in September? If so, when? This was a taylor-made spot for EOF or EDJ to come in. They’re going to work and this is a game that was winnable. If you’re right, Fredi is basically saying losing X game is worth less than saving O’Ventebral in anything but scattered hold/save spots. With 20 to go, I think it is too soon for this philosophy. With 10-12 left and the lead still 7+, I shift to that mode, but it’s too soon.

And double header is Thursday. I’d rather beat the Phillies than the Mets, but that’s just me. We have looked awful the last two games.

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions

I honestly do think Fredi is trying to more or less limit their appearances....

….to games in that are tied or when the Braves have a relatively small lead. Like I said, I obviously can’t prove it but it’s crystal clear how important those 3 guys are.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope you're right

But I am very not confident. Fredi has a long history of bad decisions.

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not looking forward to him managing the postseason, no question about it

I’m just kind of giving Fredi the benefit of the doubt in this case. The offense pretty much blew this game….

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Fredis Bad Decisions

had nothing to do with our bats going 0 for 10 with risp last night. Funny how when our bats explode for 10 runs Fredi is a flawless manager.

by jobber1.0 on Sep 7, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I can.

A quote from FG following tonight’s game: "We’re in a situation where all three of those guys – Kimbrel, O’Flaherty and Venters – probably lead the league in appearances. And we’ve made a conscious effort — especially after throwing two days in a row and having one day off for O’Flaherty – we’ve made a conscious effort not to use them when we’re down. [Use them] if it’s tied or better. Because if not, it’s a situation where we go in [to the end of the season] on vapors."

by Aaron Meier on Sep 7, 2011 2:25 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

thanks for the quote to clarify the blatently obvious.
the question I have is why hasn’t the team called up additional pitchers to further ease the work load of our primary guys – including the starters.

by fandave on Sep 7, 2011 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

for the smart ass comment.

Who is LeBron, and where is Miami?

by Kineticist on Sep 7, 2011 9:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I couldn’t watch this, first because mlb.tv was being stupid for seven innings and also because once the Braves failed to retie the game, I knew that was pretty much it for the comeback.

Twitter: @TAlmeyda

by TonyAlmeyda on Sep 7, 2011 12:54 AM EDT reply actions

Why do teams roll over for the Phillies?

Easier to say when someone else is playing them.

by GeoffreyR on Sep 7, 2011 12:58 AM EDT reply actions

^This

The Phillies are simply an elite team.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I refuse to go there

and will continue to let my hatred of all things that are Philly baseball blind my perspective. Go Braves.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby

by adc62 on Sep 7, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

How many other teams have Fredi managing them?

by Ivan the Great on Sep 7, 2011 7:32 AM EDT up reply actions

See the future

Next 4 games…

Beachy vs Phils
Teheran vs Mets
Minor vs Mets
Delgado vs Cards

Four rookies in a row. Hope it works out ok.

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Sep 7, 2011 12:59 AM EDT reply actions

Ok, now THAT worries me a little bit

If only due to the fact that none of them have any history of pitching deep into games at the big-league level, which will put even more strain on the bullpen.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions

It could be worse

Wren could have traded one of them away at the deadline!

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Sep 7, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, that was absolutely huge

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions

We really should bring another guy or two up to be long-relief, or hope C-Mart is up to pitchign twice in 4 days.

by Broccoman on Sep 7, 2011 6:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m very interested in seeing how this turns out because these guys will be needed in the postseason. Lowe and Hudson may not be able to go 6 so it’s good to put them in playoff situations now imo.

by Philly Bravo on Sep 7, 2011 10:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I actually like our chances in the Beachy vs Oswalt match-up.

But with Hanson & Jurrjens out what else are they going to do? The Phillies are doing everything right…unfortunately. I just hope the Brewers can keep them out of the WS.

by bloodgimp on Sep 7, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

That Praying Mantis thing the Phillies run out to right-field everyday is kind of pissing me off

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:05 AM EDT reply actions

According to DOB

The clubhouse was closed longer than usual after the game, then Wren left and reporters were allowed in. Wonder if there was an ass chewing following our 7th loss in 11 games.

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Sep 7, 2011 1:19 AM EDT reply actions

I hope Chipper chewed out Fredi.

giggle

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Good point!

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Sep 7, 2011 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions

The team may need an ass kicking from someone to get the offense going. Would be sweet if the Braves can win in a rout on Wednesday against Oswalt.

by LEastCoastBears on Sep 7, 2011 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Seems like the hurricane break put us in a funk similar to the way we came out of the All Star break. Who knows, we may be lightening hot in a few days.

"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first

by bighop on Sep 7, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

I'll do it

Someone buy me a red eye to Philly.

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions

My take from the game

Philly fans are the biggest douchebags ever created.

In baseball, you're supposed to sit on your ass, spit tobacco, and nod at stupid things. Perfect life might I add.

by HeywardFTW! on Sep 7, 2011 1:29 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

You JUST realized that?

by crimsonqueen9 on Sep 7, 2011 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions

uh, yes

by bloodgimp on Sep 7, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Recap from the park

1. Cold and damp
2. Uggla Smash
3. A group of 4-5 Phillies fans got kicked out for minor heckling of Braves fans a level below me. Even I thought it was an overreaction.
4. I didn’t get to see Diaz, Kimbrel, or Heyward, so I am disappoint.
5. Everyone who stayed past the 6th inning got a voucher for a free ticket to a 2012 game as appreciation for sticking out the weather.
6. My last interaction was standing next to another Braves fan leaving the stadium and hearing “Go back to Atlanta you fa##ots”.
7. Cold and damp.

Overall not the most fun I’ve had at a ballpark, but it was cool that CBP gave out free tickets for those who braved the rain.

Freeman isn’t on Heyward’s level in terms of tools, skills, or baseball IQ–but it’s fair to say Freeman has failed to meet the modest expectations in place for him - Capitol Avenue Club (May 28th, 2011)

by ATLandUNC on Sep 7, 2011 1:35 AM EDT reply actions

It's actually good for anyone who had tickets to the game

A heads up for any TC’ers living in the Philly area or in town for the game and had tix:

All tickets – even those used by attendees - can be exchanged for one of six games next year.

by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 7, 2011 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions

And I realize it’s entirely possible that none of those available Monday games will be a series against the Braves, but you could at least throw it up on Stub Hub and gets a few bucks for it. Better than nothing.

by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 7, 2011 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions

From DOB

Why go to Martinez there, was it because you trailed?

"Yeah. Instead of who?"

O’Flaherty?

"We’re in a situation where all three of those guys – Kimbrel, O’Flaherty and Venters – probably lead the league in appearances. And we’ve made a conscious effort — especially after throwing two days in a row and having one day off for O’Flaherty – we’ve made a conscious effort not to use them when we’re down. [Use them] if it’s tied or better. Because if not, it’s a situation where we go in [to the end of the season] on vapors."

by drumzalicious on Sep 7, 2011 1:45 AM EDT reply actions

i see his point

however i think it sends a bad message to the starting pitchers and the rest of the team that unless they are winning the game by the time the starter reaches 100 pitches Fredi isn’t going to use his best relievers to keep the game close. Just seems to put more pressure than really needed on the rest of the team.

Also if this is what they were going to do then they should have called up more relievers. Guys like Gearrin and Ascaino could have absorbed these innings where we wont be seeing O’ventbrel.

by drumzalicious on Sep 7, 2011 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it sends an equally bad, if not worse, message to the rest of the bullpen if you refuse to use them in situations in which holding a close game is necessary. The BP isn’t just three guys.

If you don’t give your BP guys opportunities to keep the team in the game, when else do you plan on using them?? Blowout victories and blowout losses??

Everyone in the BP needs to get their innings in, everyone needs to have the opportunity to stay sharp for upcoming innings. You actually have to manage the bullpen. The rest of the guys need to gain some confidence and pitch in some high-leverage situations, too, or there’s not much point in having them.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Sep 7, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

by Aaron Meier on Sep 7, 2011 2:47 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

Dayam!!!

I nailed that a few posts above…..

I don’t really agree with him though. I’d still use them in tie games or games that they trail by one or two runs, just not every single time.

by Undocorkscrew on Sep 7, 2011 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions

I posted

this same quote in response to your comments up above…didn’t get this far.

by Aaron Meier on Sep 7, 2011 2:42 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

its still dumb using martinez… IMO, reliever should be called up for
theres still valuable relievers that could have been called up (gearrin and hoover)
but after the DH, either teheran or delgado is going to the pen which will help.

by brian23665 on Sep 7, 2011 3:10 AM EDT reply actions

I think the oerall point was we couldn't stop their offense

and we have another and thankfully final game tomorrow,. Who knows, we may have the lead in the 7th tomorrow. No I support Freddi. and also, he knows more than I do about the situation. Well, this could be said every game……..so it helps me keep positive about the big picture. We have a good team, just not a team that can beat “that one team” in a series.

He whose words outnumber his deeds, know that his death is better than his life.

by KomaGawa on Sep 7, 2011 3:33 AM EDT reply actions

I still say that anything’s possible in a 7 game series, so I’m not too worried, as long as we reach the postseason healthy. Last year we didn’t have a chance because we had to play Troy Glaus at 3rd, and McLouth and Ankiel in the outfield as starters.

3 of 8 replacement-level players in a lineup gives you no chance. Losing your closer and having to play a super-rookie doesn’t help (but I think the experience helped Kimbrel this year, so it wasn’t all bad)

Last year, I felt like the postseason was playing with house money. I expect a series win this year.

by Broccoman on Sep 7, 2011 6:52 AM EDT reply actions

getting to the postseason not only healthy, but also with the most vital members of our pitching staff relatively rested and ready to deal would be huge.

by fandave on Sep 7, 2011 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions

What I don't get....if Fredi really was saving relievers is...

In the top of the 8th inning when we were down 6-3 with runners on 1st and 2nd, somehow Venters was in the Pen warming up? If you are giving him the day off….GIVE HIM THE DAY OFF! But if you willing to warm him up trailing 6-3 pull your head out of your ass and try to keep the lead 1 run the inning before….it’s shitty managing plain and simple.

by supyoscn on Sep 7, 2011 8:04 AM EDT reply actions

So you’re saying you want your bullpen arms to be cold in the event that the team can tie or take the lead??

Sound planning.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Sep 7, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Also...

No one said they had the day off. If the Braves had the lead, they would have been pitching. That’s not a day off. They just don’t want to use them in every close situation down the home stretch, which is pretty smart.

-C

It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?

by cthabeerman on Sep 7, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

I have to admit...

While we’ll obviously make the playoffs, I am not confident we have the starting staff to compete with the Phillies or, sadly, contain the Brewers.

If JJ and Hanson were healthy, then I would feel differently, but Huddy is now our “ace” and he looked off last night. Even with Huddy as our Game 1 pitcher, he’s followed by Beachy, Lowe, and Minor? Against Halladay, Lee, Hamels, and Oswalt? Against the Brewers offense?

Damn injuries. Why can’t we have a season where we’re mostly healthy heading into the post-season? Gah.

I’m not saying it’s impossible to beat the Phillies, but it’s not likely.

"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.

by Jman781 on Sep 7, 2011 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

I was thinking the same thing.

Last week before the Dodgers series I was feeling pretty good, but Lowe didnt look good, JJ and Hanson hurt, several position players have cooled at the plate at exactly the wrong time. McCann has been ice cold since he got back from injury, Freeman has cooled a bit, Seabass – what can I say. I heard an announcer say Monday during the game, there isn’t a starting staff out there right now that can match up in a 4 man rotation with the Phillies during the playoffs. I only partially agree with this, but their confidence level is high, and they have done well all season. The Braves starters have been streaky, but mostly good. All that being said, our offense has to start being more consistent, you cant expect perfection from our pitchers every night.

"I Farted" - Me, everday

by HeyMikey on Sep 7, 2011 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Not sure

if this was discussed in the thread last night. But, was there a reason Constanza was starting over Heyward with a RHP on the mound? If there was no legitimate reason, then WTF?! Why even have him on the goddamn roster at this point?

In other news, I’m heading to the game tonight. Nice seats, 10 rows behind the Phillies’ bench. One thing is for sure, I’ll be coming home drenched from the game; whether it be from the rain or being doused with beer from the lovely fans.

by aaaaandTheBravesWin on Sep 7, 2011 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

People seem to be intent on blaming our losses on Fredi's bullpen choices...

In actuality, it’s our lack of hitting. The Phillies get hits, almost seemlessly. The Braves do not. Now, the Braves can hit….but timely hits (where we should score runs, and don’t) is what does us in.

On the other hand, at this point, Fredi has to shuffle the line-up. The Prado→Bourn experiment has been a failure from the get-go. Too many double plays that could have at least been a guy on 2nd with one out. But that never happens.

If the season has been any indicator, we should be on the verge of winning 7 of our next 10, and I believe that we will. But we have to find a rythym, as a team, and we have to find a way to score runs. Whatever they’ve gotten into Prado’s head, they need to get it out.

Chipper and Uggla can’t win us every game. We need other people to step up.

Yesterday, the Dbacks lost, and the Cards and Giants both won.

We need to clean this shit up, or else it’s another fruitless postseason with a swift exit.

"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
"Wang, my third at-bat, he threw me a 1-0 fastball that I fouled straight back, and he came back with another heater, which surprised me." - Freddie Freeman
~
Gaby Sanchez - 1, Nyjer Morgan - 0

by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 7, 2011 9:09 AM EDT reply actions