Battery Power - September 12: Braves 2, Nationals 1Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2020-09-12T21:10:12-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/211984732020-09-12T21:10:12-04:002020-09-12T21:10:12-04:00Ian Anderson turns in dominant performance in 2-1 win over Nationals
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<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Anderson struck out a career-high nine batters in the win. </p> <p id="T7e2V5">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> needed a strong pitching performance from <span>Ian Anderson</span> and he delivered, throwing seven shutout innings in a 2-1 win over the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a>. </p>
<p id="DdDneM">The Braves didn’t waste any time giving Anderson a run to work with. Ronald Acuña Jr. singled off <span>Patrick Corbin</span> to begin the game, stole second and came around to score on a single by <span>Marcell Ozuna</span> to stake Atlanta to a 1-0 lead. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good evening, everybody.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheA</a> <a href="https://t.co/w2VcKbdkoc">pic.twitter.com/w2VcKbdkoc</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1304905895030263808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="SWIgE2">Anderson’s command was a bit shaky to start as he pitched around a walk to <span>Juan Soto</span> in the first and then needed 29 pitches to escape the second. Anderson issued back-to-back walks to <span>Eric Thames</span> and <span>Yan Gomes</span> to open his second frame, prompting a visit by pitching coach Rick Kranitz. Whatever Kranitz said appeared to work, as Anderson retired <span>Luis Garcia</span> and Michael A. Taylor on fly outs and then struck out <span>Yadiel Hernandez</span> to end the inning. </p>
<p id="HTOthO">Atlanta extended the lead in the fourth when <span>Adam Duvall</span> hit a one-out double and then came around to score on a single by <span>Ozzie Albies</span> to make it 2-0. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ozzie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ozzie</a>'s happy to be back!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheA</a> <a href="https://t.co/HoLW91ylJ2">pic.twitter.com/HoLW91ylJ2</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1304922270142476291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="GYuWZ0">Anderson settled in and sat down six straight hitters before <span>Asdrubal Cabrera</span> dropped down a bunt single to lead off the fourth inning. The baserunner would not bother Anderson as he fanned <span>Thames</span>, got <span>Gomes</span> to fly out and the struck out <span>Garcia</span> looking on a nasty changeup to end the fourth. </p>
<p id="H19A4W">Anderson ten retired 12 straight hitters after the bunt single and left having allowed one hit over seven shutout innings to go along with a career-high nine strikeouts. All three of his walks came in the first two innings. His outing was the longest of the year by an Atlanta pitcher.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Braves</a> rookie Ian Anderson’s career-high 9 strikeouts <a href="https://t.co/RjNR4yqYUc">pic.twitter.com/RjNR4yqYUc</a></p>— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsBraves/status/1304937301236158465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a>
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<p id="HAifxd">Washington got on the board in the eighth against Shane Greene. Pinch-hitter <span>Adam Eaton</span> led off the inning with a single and then stole second. Greene struck out Hernandez and <span>Brock Holt</span> but <span>Trea Turner</span> doubled to right center to score <span>Eaton</span> and cut the lead to 2-1. Brian Snitker then brought in <span>Will Smith</span> to face <span>Juan Soto</span>, who grounded out to end the threat. </p>
<p id="pdvW4y"><span>Mark Melancon</span> took over in the ninth and ran into some bad luck. <span>Cabrera</span> singled off of <span>Albies</span>’ glove at second. <span>Melancon</span> worked the count to 2-2 against <span>Thames</span> before a swinging bunt to third that <span>Austin Riley</span> was unable to barehand. With runners now at first and second, Melancon came back and struck out <span>Gomes</span> for the first out and then got <span>Garcia</span> to bounce back to the mound for the second out. The Braves then elected to walk <span>Eaton</span> intentionally to bring up <span>Victor Robles</span>, who flew out to <span>Duvall</span> in right for the final out of the game. </p>
<p id="HW9q34">With the win, Atlanta improves to 27-19 on the season and will, at the very least, maintain a 2.5-game lead in the division. The Braves and Nationals will wrap up their four-game series on Sunday with <span>Kyle Wright</span> matching up against <span>Max Scherzer</span>. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2020/9/12/21434356/braves-vs-nationals-final-score-ian-andersonKris Willis2020-09-12T17:30:00-04:002020-09-12T17:30:00-04:00Braves vs Nationals Saturday game thread
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<p id="tPusdQ">Freddie Freeman looks to stay hot Saturday evening when the Atlanta Braves continue a four-game series against the Washington Nationals. Ian Anderson will make his fourth start of the season and will be looking to bounce back from a short start last time out. The Nationals will counter with left hander Patrick Corbin who allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Braves in his last start. Atlanta recalled Sean Newcomb earlier today to give them a fresh arm in the bullpen. This will be Newcomb’s first stint on the active roster since he was demoted in early August after struggling as a member of the rotation. </p>
<p id="Hmp7aU"><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/2020/9/12/21433783/braves-vs-nationals-preview-time-tv-streaming-radio-ian-anderson-patrick-corbin">PREVIEW</a> | <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/2020/9/12/21434048/braves-vs-nationals-lineups-ronald-acuna-jr-travis-darnaud">LINEUPS</a></p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2020/9/12/21434130/braves-vs-nationals-saturday-game-threadKris Willis2020-09-12T16:37:15-04:002020-09-12T16:37:15-04:00Touki Toussaint will start Monday in Baltimore, Cole Hamels tentatively scheduled for Wednesday
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<p>Tuesday’s starter is still TBD. </p> <p id="wR29wB">The pitching plan for Atlanta’s upcoming series in Baltimore are starting to come into view. Brian Snitker announced during his pregame media session Saturday that Touki Toussaint will start Monday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Tuesday’s starter is still to be determined while Cole Hamels is currently penciled in to make his season debut on Wednesday. </p>
<p id="a9ML5X">Toussaint’s last appearance came on August 23 in relief where he allowed two hits and a run in 1 1/3 innings against the Phillies. His last starting assignment came on August 17 where he walked six while allowing two hits and four runs in three innings against the Nationals. Control issues plagued Toussaint during his stint in the rotation. For the season, Toussaint has a 7.89 ERA and a 6.10 FIP in 21 2/3 innings. </p>
<p id="Nvnibi">Hamels took part in a sim game last week and is lined up to make Wednesday’s start barring any setbacks. He will be on a pitch limit as he continues to get stretched out. Snitker also said that Max Fried would be in line to start Friday’s game in New York. </p>
<p id="bq1wc2">A bullpen game for Tuesday would appear likely. Some combination of Huascar Ynoa or Bryce Wilson depending on what happens this weekend. Sean Newcomb was added to the bullpen on Saturday and it is worth mentioning that Snitker said he was stretched out like a starter. He would be an option as well if they were able to get through the weekend without using him. For those wondering about Mike Foltynewicz, he pitched on Tuesday at the alternate site and touched 95 mph <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/1304878669563863040">according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman</a>. He is scheduled to start again on Sunday so he could be an option as well over the final weeks of the season. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2020/9/12/21434156/touki-toussaint-start-monday-baltimore-cole-hamels-tentatively-scheduled-wednesday-atlanta-bravesKris Willis2020-09-12T14:58:54-04:002020-09-12T14:58:54-04:00Ronald Acuña Jr. is back in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Nationals
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<figcaption>Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Acuña is back after Friday’s scare. </p> <p id="Icqypn">The Atlanta Braves will try to get back into the win column Saturday when they continue their series against the Washington Nationals. Ian Anderson will make his fourth career start and will be looking to bounce back from a short outing last time out. The Nationals will counter with veteran lefty Patrick Corbin. </p>
<p id="HDDbDb">Ronald Acuña Jr. returns to the Braves lineup after exiting Friday’s loss in the fourth inning after he fouled a pitch off his ankle. Acuña had to be helped from the field but X-rays came back negative and he is back in there on Saturday. Travis d’Arnaud gets the start at DH against the lefty while Tyler Flowers will be behind the plate and is hitting eighth. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">First pitch at 6:05 tonight in DC!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheA</a> <a href="https://t.co/KY1kCS9msA">pic.twitter.com/KY1kCS9msA</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1304855493396103168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="0j4SgS">The Nationals will go with their regulars through the first part of their lineup on Saturday. Yan Gomes is coming off a big game on Friday and is back behind the plate and hitting sixth. Michael A. Taylor moves over to center field while 32-year old rookie Yadiel Hernandez will make his first start in left. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MIKEY T PITIES THE FOOL.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATITUDE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATITUDE</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xp8XuErIUl">pic.twitter.com/Xp8XuErIUl</a></p>— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nationals/status/1304853372680515585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a>
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<p id="awgpT5">First pitch from Nationals Park is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. ET and can be seen on Fox Sports South. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2020/9/12/21434048/braves-vs-nationals-lineups-ronald-acuna-jr-travis-darnaudKris Willis2020-09-12T12:49:28-04:002020-09-12T12:49:28-04:00Braves recall Sean Newcomb, designate Robbie Erlin for assignment
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<p>Braves add a fresh arm for Saturday’s game</p> <p id="W7NOgO">After a 12 inning game on Friday, the Atlanta Braves are adding a fresh arm to the pitching staff on Saturday recalling left-hander Sean Newcomb from the team’s alternate training site. Newcomb began the season in the team’s rotation but struggled and was demoted after just four starts. The numbers were ugly as he surrendered 20 hits and 17 runs in just 13 2/3 innings. Newcomb’s last appearance in the majors came on August 10. He has drawn some good reviews for his work at the alternate site since being demoted. </p>
<p id="l8UY8l">To make room on the active roster, the Braves designated left-hander Robbie Erlin for assignment. Erlin made seven appearances for the Braves including five starts but with ugly results. He allowed 28 hits and 22 runs while surrendering eight home runs in 23 1/3 innings. </p>
<p id="GkthcR">Newcomb is the first of several pitchers that could be making their way back to the major league roster over the next week. Atlanta is hoping that Cole Hamels will make his long awaited debut sometime next week. The Braves are also hopeful that Max Fried will be ready to return from the injured list in time to start next Friday. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2020/9/12/21433947/atlanta-braves-roster-recall-sean-newcomb-designate-robbie-erlin-for-assignmentKris Willis2020-09-12T12:00:00-04:002020-09-12T12:00:00-04:00Ian Anderson, Braves look to bounce back against Nationals
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<p>Atlanta needs another good start from Anderson Saturday. </p> <p id="wkCgsC">The Atlanta Braves fell in extra innings to the Washington Nationals Friday night 8-7 after putting together another ninth inning comeback. The Braves had plenty of opportunities as they left 22 men on base in the loss. Despite the setback, they enter Saturday with a 2.5 game lead in the NL East over the Philadelphia Phillies who split a doubleheader against the Marlins Friday. </p>
<p id="3kYb7V">There are two major storylines for Atlanta coming into Saturday’s game in Washington. The biggest involves the health of Ronald Acuña Jr. who left Friday’s loss in the fourth inning after fouling a ball off his ankle. The situation appeared to be bleak as Acuña went to the ground and had to be helped off the field. However, the Braves later announced that X-rays on Acuña’s ankle came back negative and that he was considered day-to-day. Brian Snitker added in his postgame address that Acuña was able to walk on the ankle after some time in the clubhouse. It remains to be seen whether he will be in Saturday’s lineup but the Braves need him back as soon as possible. </p>
<p id="MpZlbZ">The other story is the Braves pitching staff and how they might piece things together Saturday after a 12 inning game on Friday. Josh Tomlin lasted just four innings in Friday’s start and Brian Snitker was forced to use seven relievers in the game although Tyler Matzek was the only one to throw more than an inning. Ian Anderson will be making his fourth career start Saturday and is looking to bounce back from a rough outing last time out. </p>
<p id="ZrfMjx">After throwing six innings in his first two starts against the Yankees and Red Sox, Anderson lasted just three innings while allowing two hits, four walks and two runs to the Marlins. Only one of those runs was earned as Anderson airmailed a throw to first that seemed to shake him off his game. After Friday’s long night, the Braves could definitely use some length from Anderson on Saturday. </p>
<p id="I7vIP8">The Nationals will counter with left-hander Patrick Corbin who will be looking for a bounce back performance of his own after struggling against Atlanta in his last start. Corbin struck out six over 5 1/3 innings but allowed nine hits, walked four and gave up five runs. </p>
<p id="HPxPxQ">Freddie Freeman added two more hits in Friday’s loss and is hitting .394/.509/.723 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBIs over his last 25 games. Freeman is just 5-for-29 in 33 plate appearances in his career against Corbin. </p>
<h3 id="1zB22o"><strong>Game Info</strong></h3>
<p id="4m68Zj"><strong>Game Date/Time:</strong> Saturday, September 12, 6:05 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="ZeWNRc"><strong>Location:</strong> Nationals Park, Washington DC</p>
<p id="GHhqW5"><strong>TV:</strong> Fox Sports South</p>
<p id="t8rOm1"><strong>Streaming:</strong> MLB.tv</p>
<p id="giAswS"><strong>Radio:</strong> 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2020/9/12/21433783/braves-vs-nationals-preview-time-tv-streaming-radio-ian-anderson-patrick-corbinKris Willis