Hampton Pitches Four, Doesn’t Break In Half

Written by Colin on March 17, 2008 – 9:38 pm

Mike Hampton had a very successful outing today, pitching 4-1/3 innings and giving up one run. He also gave up two hits, walked three, and struck out three. We should be encouraged – and Hampton has the right to feel encouraged as well.

The Braves lost 4-2 to the Cardinals – the only two runs were a product of the two backup infield candidates. Brent Lillibridge knocked in a run with his double, and Martin Prado went 2-3 and scored a run. Jordan Schafer also scored a run with one hit in four at-bats. Lillibridge may have the edge on Prado for the backup job, but that’s not a given yet.

Mike Hampton pitches vs. Cards on March 17, 2008. Photo: Kevin Hinton

Photo: Kevin Hinton

The good news is that Hampton could go through four innings without hurting anything. Not only did he pitch that long, he looked good. His pitches had movement and he reported feeling good after his outing. Bobby Cox was even more impressed. After a reporter mentioned that Hampton looked “solid,” Cox responded with the following quote:

“More than that, he had no-hit stuff today. His ball is really sinking. I don’t know if I’ve seen him that good since he’s been with us. Lot of strikes, ton of ground balls. I’m pleased, put it that way. More than pleased.”

If Cox is that pleased, we can at least take some hope in Hampton’s stuff. If he can stay healthy, he’s going to be pretty good this season. We can pretty much coin the new saying – “Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, pray for old man Hampton.” Or something of the sort.

Next up for the Braves, Jo-Jo Reyes will try to not stink it up like he has recently. He’ll do it against the Astros on Wednesday. The Braves get tomorrow off.


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Posted in Game Analysis | 7 Comments »

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7 Responses to “Hampton Pitches Four, Doesn’t Break In Half”

  1. By Jonathan on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply

    Have we checked to see if Hampton managed to safely brush his teeth and take a shower tonight without injuring himself? I’m still scared everytime I hear his name or see him walk onto the field that he’s going to get reinjured. If he could look like today throughout the entire season, I’d be more than content with that performance, but I need the proof of durability at this point.

  2. By JB in ATL on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply

    I just figured out what it was…

    The Green Cap!!

    Hampton had good luck working for him today.

    Too bad the Luck O’ the Irish can be with him on his head all season long.

    PS as far as I’ve heard Hampton hasn’t hurt himself….yet. But then again it’s not April yet.

    JB in ATL
    http://bravesblog.net

  3. By Jonathan on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply

    There’s a good chance that was it, JB. The Braves went for the green hats today while the Cards went for the green jerseys. Wonder if the team will let him keep wearing the green one?

  4. By Sheryl on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply

    I loved the lead-in title! Very clever.

  5. By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

    Have we checked to see if Hampton managed to safely brush his teeth and take a shower tonight without injuring himself? I'm still scared everytime I hear his name or see him walk onto the field that he's going to get reinjured. If he could look like today throughout the entire season, I'd be more than content with that performance, but I need the proof of durability at this point.

  6. By JB in ATL on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

    I just figured out what it was…

    The Green Cap!!

    Hampton had good luck working for him today.

    Too bad the Luck O' the Irish can be with him on his head all season long.

    PS as far as I've heard Hampton hasn't hurt himself….yet. But then again it's not April yet.

    JB in ATL
    http://bravesblog.net

  7. By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply

    There's a good chance that was it, JB. The Braves went for the green hats today while the Cards went for the green jerseys. Wonder if the team will let him keep wearing the green one?

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