Today is a day that likely will be remembered forever in Braves history. It began with Mike Foltynewicz getting off to a fantastic start striking out one and getting two easy flyouts in the first.
Atlanta wasted no time at all jumping all over Jake Arrieta who could not throw a strike early on. After two consecutive walks Freddie Freeman struck out bringing up Nick Markakis who also walked to load the bases in front of Johan Camargo. Camargo lined a two run single to left field and gave the Braves a quick 2-0 lead.
After another quick inning from Folty the Braves got right back to work in the second inning. Dansby Swason and Foltynewicz put two outs on the board quickly for the top of the order where Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ender Inciarte hit back to back singles in front of Freddie Freeman who decided to make it three straight singles bringing both runners home. With a 4-0 lead Folty began to cruise.
With the Phillies offense in free swinging mode Foltynewicz took advantage by hitting the corners with his upper 90’s fastball which had batters constantly off stride. This efficiency paired with some solid defense from his infield had him carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning before losing it on an Odubel Herrera single.
Folty pitched all the way into the eighth inning before Jesse Biddle relieved him with runners on first and second. Biddle did not make things easy for the Braves after walking the first batter he faced and allowing a two run single to Cesar Hernandez before leaving the game. With a 4-2 lead Atlanta turned to Brad Brach looking for two outs, but he could not record a single one allowing an RBI single to Rhys Hoskins on his second pitch thrown. He was then removed in favor of Jonny Venters who has been the stopper of the bullpen in recent weeks. Venters was true to form and got a flyout to left and a groundout to shortstop to get out of trouble as all of Braves country breathed a collective sigh of relief.
With a playoff berth on the line the Braves offense got to work for some breathing room. Ender Inciarte was the catalyst with a leadoff single off of Adam Morgan’s foot. After a pitching change Seranthony Dominguez slipped on a pickoff throw to first which allowed Inciarte to move up to second base. After a Freddie Freeman groundout and Nick Markakis intentional walk Kurt Suzuki tacked on one last run with an RBI single to make the score 5-3 heading into the top of the ninth.
Atlanta turned to Arodys Vizcaino for the final three outs. His first pitch induced a groundout to second base from Wilson Ramos. Roman Quinn was the next batter and Vizcaino struck him out on four pitches. The final hope for Philly’s season was Maikel Franco and in fitting fashion he flied out to Ronald Acuña in left field as the Braves took the division.
There is much more to come on this outstanding season by the Braves so stay tuned! Chop on.
Loading comments...