Battery Power - June 11: Braves 7, Pirates 5Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2019-06-12T00:42:08-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/184458312019-06-12T00:42:08-04:002019-06-12T00:42:08-04:00Braves Blast 5 Bombs to Beat Bucs 7-5
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pa0kaLeuYQxzB_2MgquL6EiuCpk=/0x0:2246x1497/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63990768/usa_today_12880432.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A historic night for the Braves results in their fifth straight win. </p> <p id="zQjBu2"></p>
<p id="OdBjqU">These</p>
<div id="x39Aum">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TARGET PRACTICE <br><br>Josh Donaldson crushes a solo shot off the foul pole. The <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Braves</a> get back into the game. <a href="https://t.co/eaWX4clxGg">pic.twitter.com/eaWX4clxGg</a></p>— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsBraves/status/1138595365655945217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="QiABXG">Bats </p>
<div id="R94Gxs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">BACK 2️⃣ BACK <br><br>Nick Markakis stays hot and crushes a solo shot over the center field wall. <a href="https://t.co/tVUCtRIBFN">pic.twitter.com/tVUCtRIBFN</a></p>— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsBraves/status/1138595859224879104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="vGrgMe">Are</p>
<div id="PvvCyi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian McCann follows suit and crushes a home run over the left field wall. <a href="https://t.co/slsLXRyRxj">pic.twitter.com/slsLXRyRxj</a></p>— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsBraves/status/1138596703714521088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ZSDeef">Booming!!!</p>
<div id="SXqIh8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ozzie Albies hits the fourth home run of the inning. He sends one into the Chop House as the <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Braves</a> bats are on fire tonight. <a href="https://t.co/wFXwqTtnS1">pic.twitter.com/wFXwqTtnS1</a></p>— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsBraves/status/1138596832823562241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="UGkZEl"><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> Win!!!</p>
<div id="epQbIB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The two most exciting minutes in all of sports!"<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/tF2BPq04Q9">https://t.co/tF2BPq04Q9</a><br> <a href="https://t.co/Q6bTjMJUTY">https://t.co/Q6bTjMJUTY</a> <a href="https://t.co/nm0iBAlqDx">pic.twitter.com/nm0iBAlqDx</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1138622221482627072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="nZcB42">The Atlanta Braves won their fifth straight game Tuesday night, beating the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> 7-5 in a rain-shortened game thanks to five home runs, including four in the second inning. <span>Josh Donaldson</span>, <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Nick Markakis</a>, <span>Brian McCann</span>, and <span>Ozzie Albies</span> all launched a solo shot in the second inning. <span>McCann</span> then delivered what proved to be the deciding blow in the sixth with his second home run of the evening, a three-run bomb on a 3-0 count. </p>
<p id="PPoIu8">The evening did not start off in the best fashion. <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span> ran into trouble early as a single, a stolen base, a walk, a wild pitch, and another single led to two early runs for the Pirates in the first, The Braves would then answer back with four solo home runs in the bottom of the second. </p>
<p id="9guTxV">The Pirates would claw their way back to tie the game at 4 to 4. A <span>Colin Moran</span> double in the fourth and a <span>Starling Marte</span> ground out in the fifth would score <span>Josh Bell</span> and <span>Kevin Newman</span>, respectively. The Braves would then find success again in the bottom of the sixth, as a <span>Markakis</span> Walk and an Austin Riley single led to McCann’s long home run to make the score 7-4. </p>
<p id="dLQKmr"><span>Touki Toussaint</span>, replacing Folty and after working a scoreless sixth, would surrender a single but get two quick outs in the top of the seventh. <span>A.J. Minter</span> made his anticipated return to the majors and got <span>Josh Bell</span> to fly out with a runner in scoring position to end the seventh. </p>
<p id="rv4ZLk"><span>Minter</span> yielded a single and then got two quick outs in the top of the eighth. <span>Anthony Swarzak</span> would come in and give up an RBI triple to Bryan Reynolds. Though the Braves Challenged, It was determined <span>Melky Cabrera</span> touched all the bases to make the score 7-5. <span>Swarzak</span> would then get the final out end the inning. After the Braves went quietly in the bottom of the eighth, rain started pouring from the skies and the game was delayed. After two hours it was eventually called to give Atlanta the victory. </p>
<p id="wDUlbt"></p>
<p id="3DknnH">The encouraging thing for <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span> is that he did not give up a home run in a game for the second time this year. However, it was another discouraging outing. He needed 96 pitches to get through five innings, and gave up five hits, four walks, and four earned runs. While Folty finally get some needed run support, this is now three straight starts in which <span>Foltynewicz</span> has struggled, much like when he came back from his injury. It seems likley he will be closely monitored in the near future. </p>
<p id="gAqlN5">The Braves made history tonight, both for the franchise and the majors as whole. According to Baseball-Reference, this the first time in franchise history the Braves have hit five or more home runs in back to back games. This is the third time that a team has done it in 2019, as the Braves joined the Twins and <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> in achieving the accomplishment. That is most times a team has accomplished that feat in a single season in major league history. </p>
<p id="ASUqFK">The Braves are now 20-9 over their past 29 games. With Soroka and Teheran up next to conclude the series versus the Pirates, they are sitting in a very good spot heading into a big series against the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> over the weekend. </p>
<p id="r1ldbp"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/12/18662315/braves-blast-5-bombs-to-beat-bucs-7-5Shawn Coleman2019-06-11T19:00:00-04:002019-06-11T19:00:00-04:00Pirates vs Braves Game Thread: June 11th, 2019
<figure>
<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2-vF9G3ThXOabCFOYKmW5G5CQPM=/0x14:3000x2014/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63989386/1148980782.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Foltynewicz vs Archer</p> <p id="ATZERT">Hopefully the only fireworks tonight will be from the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> bats as they try to earn sole possession of first place in the division. </p>
<p id="ciKZyH">Please enjoy the game with interaction and conversation below. We just ask you be kind and courteous. Go Braves. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/11/18661840/pirates-vs-braves-game-thread-june-11th-2019Shawn Coleman2019-06-11T17:26:27-04:002019-06-11T17:26:27-04:00Braves place Kevin Gausman on IL, recall AJ Minter from Gwinnett
<figure>
<img alt="Arizona Diamondbacks v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xrOH29xtEieMXP2T0TV_sevZMvQ=/0x0:3982x2655/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63988837/1143408506.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Gausman will try to save his season after struggling mightily in recent weeks. Minter returns after a strong stint in Gwinnett.</p> <p id="4k31eS">Kevin Gausman has been placed on the 10-day Injured List with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, and AJ Minter has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett, the Braves announced Tuesday evening.</p>
<p id="SSf30r">Gausman has struggled mightily in his last three starts and clearly is not right on the mound. It was <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/2019/6/11/18661926/atlanta-braves-will-start-sean-newcomb-saturday-josh-donaldson-hit-with-1-game-suspension-per-report">reported earlier on Tuesday that Sean Newcomb will start Saturday’s game </a>against the Phillies, and with Newcomb presumably not being available out of the bullpen the next few nights, the Braves needed to replace him.</p>
<p id="o4rYPr">Minter, who was demoted to Gwinnett a month ago after a tough start to the year, pitched really well in the minors. He made a total of nine appearances with the Stripers, working 10 2/3 innings with a 2.53 ERA. He struck out 15 batters and walked just two of them, an encouraging sign after he lacked command in April. Brian Snitker pointed to Minter not having much of a Spring Training as the primary reason for his ineffectiveness early on. Here’s hoping he has figured things out — it would provide a big boost to the Braves’ improving bullpen.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/11/18661952/kevin-gausman-injury-braves-aj-minter-bullpenScott Coleman2019-06-11T17:11:57-04:002019-06-11T17:11:57-04:00Braves will start Sean Newcomb Saturday, Josh Donaldson hit with 1-game suspension, per report
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves at San Francisco Giants" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PHH9Fo5eybcqcKBI3w6JP56G8cY=/0x0:3555x2370/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63988722/usa_today_12749841.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Braves will shake up the rotation for this weekend’s series against Philadelphia. </p> <p id="7R8kfa">The Atlanta Braves will make a change to their starting rotation over the weekend. Sean Newcomb will return to the rotation to make Saturday’s start against the Phillies at SunTrust Park according to a report by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. </p>
<div id="J0u4ic">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Newcomb will start Saturday unless something crazy happens and he’s needed out of the bullpen Friday</p>— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/1138548578660626440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Tvqs8N">Newcomb opened the season in the rotation but was sent back to Triple-A after just three starts. He has worked exclusively out of Atlanta’s bullpen since the start of May and has performed well posting a 1.42 ERA in 16 relief appearances. Newcomb will start in place of Kevin Gausman who was placed on the injured list Monday due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. </p>
<h3 id="FOwbTJ"><strong>Dallas Keuchel plans</strong></h3>
<p id="D5q8Ei">Mark Bowman also reports that Dallas Keuchel <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/1138549402770071554">will pitch for Mississippi on Saturday</a> which would line him up to make his Atlanta debut on June 21 in Washington D.C. against the Nationals. Keuchel looked sharp in Monday’s debut where he threw seven shutout innings for Rome. </p>
<p id="ShbNsR"><strong>Josh Donaldson receives one-game suspension</strong></p>
<p id="wsAJ0M">Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson was ejected in the first inning of Monday’s series opener against the Pirates after he exchanged words with Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove after he was hit by a pitch. During the skirmish, Donaldson shoved Pirates catcher Elias Diaz. Donaldson was given a one-game suspension by Major League Baseball according to The Athletic’s David O’Brien but will appeal and is in the lineup for Tuesday’s game. </p>
<div id="uTRp3z">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Braves?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Braves</a> 3B Josh Donaldson got a 1-game suspension for his part in the Monday contretemps with Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove, who was not suspended. Donaldson appealed the suspension and will play tonight.</p>— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOBrienATL/status/1138548718121168896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="kEFUYo"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/11/18661926/atlanta-braves-will-start-sean-newcomb-saturday-josh-donaldson-hit-with-1-game-suspension-per-reportKris Willis2019-06-11T16:07:32-04:002019-06-11T16:07:32-04:00Braves feature regular lineup, Pirates show preference to platoon
<figure>
<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3y6EMnld2MjsTcbfEM5tb3fK5Yo=/0x104:4380x3024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63988304/1149024795.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Braves will continue going with what works against Chris Archer. </p> <p id="QCYSZj">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> will go with what has become their default lineup look for nearly a month now. With Chris Archer on the Mound, the Braves hope the bottom of the order will continue setting the table for <span>Ronald Acuna Jr.</span> as it has over the past few games. After last nights hit parade, the Braves hopefully have a few timely ones left in their arsenal. </p>
<div id="NR8iV3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DailyRoto Lineup Alert: Braves<br>1. CF Ronald Acuna (R)<br>2. SS Dansby Swanson (R)<br>3. 1B Freddie Freeman (L)<br>4. 3B Josh Donaldson (R)<br>5. RF Nick Markakis (L)<br>6. LF Austin Riley (R)<br>7. C Brian McCann (L)<br>8. 2B Ozzie Albies (S)<br>9. SP Mike Foltynewicz (R)<a href="https://t.co/MRx1sKcr7b">https://t.co/MRx1sKcr7b</a></p>— DailyRoto News (@dailyrotonews) <a href="https://twitter.com/dailyrotonews/status/1138509855755505665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="KeyBMV">The <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> are countering with three new faces in the lineup. <span>Adam Frazier</span> and <span>Corey Dickerson</span> get the start against a right-hander. Just as he ran into trouble his first time facing them in Pittsburgh, <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span> needs to especially be careful with <span>Josh Bell</span>, <span>Colin Moran</span>, and <span>Gregory Polanco</span>. They were the catalysts for his rough second inning in his last start. </p>
<div id="MwyV8e">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DailyRoto Lineup Alert: Pirates<br>1. SS Kevin Newman (R)<br>2. LF Corey Dickerson (L)<br>3. CF Starling Marte (R)<br>4. 1B Josh Bell (S)<br>5. 3B Colin Moran (L)<br>6. RF Gregory Polanco (L)<br>7. 2B Adam Frazier (L)<br>8. C Jacob Stallings (R)<br>9. SP Chris Archer (R)<a href="https://t.co/MRx1sKcr7b">https://t.co/MRx1sKcr7b</a></p>— DailyRoto News (@dailyrotonews) <a href="https://twitter.com/dailyrotonews/status/1138509853591257089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/11/18661725/braves-feature-regular-lineup-pirates-show-preference-to-platoonShawn Coleman2019-06-11T12:31:17-04:002019-06-11T12:31:17-04:00Redemption and Revenge Should Fuel Folty, Braves against Pirates
<figure>
<img alt="Detroit Tigers v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-FW1x5Q-NEioLlsNVrfJmIv3CtI=/0x0:2576x1717/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63986805/1152935614.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Folty keep the ball in the ballpark and avoid the ONE BAD INNING?</p> <p id="E9hXKt">Last night’s victory felt like an adventure. It was like a full length movie with surprises, plot twists and plenty of action. Thankfully, it ended in a victory for the <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>. Furthermore, it added validity to the fact that things will always be exciting with this group. </p>
<ul>
<li id="aDL1xF"> The <span>Josh Donaldson</span>-Joe Musgrove theatrics from last night should not come as a complete surprise. <span>Josh Donaldson</span> is an emotional player, and he knows he has not been playing up to his potential as of late. He has not been shy to show his displeasure for being thrown at in the past, and he made it known again. It will be interesting to see how last night’s events will impact tonight with <span>Chris Archer</span> and <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span> on the bump. </li>
<li id="KwV5Tu">The Braves offense should simply be called Hydra. The old slogan “cut off one head, two shall rise” fits this offense quite well. With Austin Riley coming back down to earth (.542 OPS in June), both <span>Ronald Acuna Jr.</span> (.965 OPS in June) and <span>Ozzie Albies</span> (1.021 OPS in June) have combined to join Captain Consistency Freddie Freeman in leading the Braves offense. While it would be wonderful for everyone to be hitting well at the same time, this is a byproduct of having a deep lineup. Even when some struggle, others pick up the slack to help the Braves’ offense remain one of the best in the majors. </li>
<li id="ghFuUh"> Brian Snitker’s handling of <span>Kevin Gausman</span> seems to indicate that <span>Gausman</span> likely will be seeing a role change in the near future. With Dallas Keuchel dominating in his first minors appearance, there could be a lot of shifting amongst the Braves pitching options. With innings limitations and routines having to be considered, there are many different scenarios that could play out over the next month with the starters and relievers. </li>
</ul>
<p id="FPkWua">Of course, no matter how you look at the points above, the biggest takeaway is that the Braves are now tied with the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> at the top of the NL East. However, while Atlanta is 19-9 over their past 28 games, they must keep earning wins when it is expected. And tonight, the Braves can expect the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> will be fully engaged to ensure that does not happen. </p>
<p id="JudZZk">Atlanta will send <span>Mike Foltynewicz</span> (5.89 ERA, 6.62. FIP, 4.91 xFIP) to the mound for his second straight start against the Pirates. The 2019 season has continued to be frustrating for Folty. After two stellar starts against Milwaukee and St. Louis, <span>Foltynewicz</span> was rocked by Detroit. His last time out against the Pirates was a classic pre 2018 Folty Start. Over six innings, he was good to dominant for five of them. But the ONE BAD INNING occurred in the second inning, and the Braves offense could not overcome it. </p>
<p id="hGTUOu">Overall, many factors are keeping Folty from being the quality talent he is. However, the one clear issue is his propensity to give up homeruns, which has now reached historic levels. Folty has allowed 15 homeruns in less than 45 innings pitched this season. He is one of only four starters who has accomplished that feat over the past 100 years. The crazy thing is, in a season where home runs are flying at record rates, Drew Smyly, <span>Dan Straily</span>, and Folty all have produced that statline this season. While the home runs should regress, the key to Folty’s success is that he must get back to limiting hard contact. An encouraging sign is that he has looked like the 2018 version of himself multiple times in three of his last four starts.</p>
<p id="0qk17I"><span>Chris Archer</span> ( 5.20 ERA, 5.45 FIP, 4.91 xFIP) will man the bump for the Pirates. With the All-Star Break approaching, it has to be painful for Pirates fans to see <span>Austin Meadows</span> receive All- Star starter buzz in the American League. Simply put, the Chris Archer trade with the <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> looks like an absolute disaster for the Pirates. However, one would not know that based off Archer’s success against the Braves. In three career starts, Archer has a 1.69 ERA and the Braves have produced a meager .616 OPS against him. While Atlanta’s offense is producing right now, they must figure how to put some runs on the board if this turns into another slugfest. </p>
<p id="p3bXL1">The story of this game will likely come down to who can silence the top of the order in the opposing lineup. If Folty can build off how he ended his last start, it would help the Braves continue their winning ways with a chance to finish the night alone atop the NL East. </p>
<p id="LM41CR">WPA-<span>Mike Foltynewicz</span>- The Braves could use another added layer of certainty to their rotation, and Folty seems primed to get it back on track soon. </p>
<p id="pglqSC"><strong>Game Info</strong></p>
<p id="s0hDJn">Pittsburgh Pirates @ Atlanta Braves</p>
<p id="0rKS33">Tuesday, June 11, 2019</p>
<p id="6UQszW">7:20 pm EDT</p>
<p id="5voBuZ">SunTrust Park, Atlanta, GA</p>
<p id="GWkPTx">TV: Fox Sports Southeast, MLB.tv</p>
<p id="ib4fH7">Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, Rock 100.5, Braves Radio Network</p>
<p id="N38A6e">XM Radio: XM 187 (Streaming 841)</p>
<p id="UQQADZ"></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/11/18661189/redemption-and-revenge-should-fuel-folty-braves-against-piratesShawn Coleman