Loading ...Escobar, Braves Walk Off
Written by Colin on June 3, 2008 – 12:07 amYunel Escobar picked the right time to swing at a 3-0 pitch. With 13 career plate appearances and 13 career walks on a 3-0 count, Yunel Escobar stood at the plate in the bottom of the 10th in a tie game tonight with a 3-0 count and jacked the ball deep to center. As the Marlins center fielder slammed into the wall, Escobar’s ball bounced off the top of the wall before clearing it. The Braves won 7-5.
In the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Francoeur scooted home on a wild pitch to tie the game 5-5, saving John Smoltz from getting the loss in his first appearance since coming back from the disabled list. A couple of misplayed balls by Omar Infante (including a crucial ball that just bounced off his glove) not just cost the Braves the lead but put the Marlins ahead 5-4. Smoltz gave up a couple hits but was hitting 95 with his fastball and around 85 with his change. His arm slot is interesting to watch.
Mark Teixeira and Jeff Francoeur both added solo shots and Jo-Jo Reyes pitched into the 7th inning for his second straight start. The game saw several lead changes early, with the Marlins holding close early. Escobar had played hero earlier in the night too with a clutch single in the eighth to give the Braves a 4-3 lead with two outs.
Great to see the Braves back at home and winning close games. We need these if we’re going to be horrible on the road. More baseball tomorrow night from the Ted.
Tidbits for conversation:
- Why is Greg Norton starting in left field?
- Do you think Smoltzie’s issues tonight were a sign of more to come, or an abnormality?
Tags: Florida Marlins, Walk-Off
Posted in Game Analysis | 12 Comments »
12 Responses
to “Escobar, Braves Walk Off”
1 Trackback(s)
- Jun 3, 2008: Section 435 – Uggla Night for Campillo
By Shaun on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Here’s a list of good reasons why Greg Norton is starting in left field:
By Josh on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
I think Smoltz just needs to perfect and get use to this new arm angle. Norton Im not reall y sure why. It feels nice to grab a W again.
By Colin on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Shaun, I’m with you. One of these days I’ll walk over and shake your hand – need to meet you in real life since we just sit a few seats apart.
Josh – you’re right with Smoltz. He’s got a few kinks to work out but it’s nothing he can’t do. He said yesterday he needs to throw a little softer with a little more touch.
Anderson needs to start in left. Hands down.
By Smitty on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
That was the most exciting, gut-wrenching game we’ve seen in a long time. I thought for certain it was over when Francoeur struck out on that terrible outside pitch with bases loaded.
By Akshay on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
I agree with you guys in that Anderson needs to be starting in left field. Norton is far more valuable off the bench and Anderson’s speed is far more valuable on the basepath.
By cameron on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Did you see Anderson on that groundball he ripped to third. That was a textbook 5-4-3 double play, but he somehow beat it out to extend the game. Infante almost lost us the game last night playing in LF. Norton isn’t that bad defensively but he is inconsistent at the plate. He is clutch late in the game as a pinch hitter. I’m confident of another Braves win tonight because JC is pitching. Looking forward to another good performance from him and a breakout offensive performance for the whole team, not just Chip, Tex and Frenchy.
Go Braves!
By Shaun on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Here's a list of good reasons why Greg Norton is starting in left field:
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Shaun, I'm with you. One of these days I'll walk over and shake your hand – need to meet you in real life since we just sit a few seats apart.
Josh – you're right with Smoltz. He's got a few kinks to work out but it's nothing he can't do. He said yesterday he needs to throw a little softer with a little more touch.
Anderson needs to start in left. Hands down.
By Smitty on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
That was the most exciting, gut-wrenching game we've seen in a long time. I thought for certain it was over when Francoeur struck out on that terrible outside pitch with bases loaded.
By Akshay on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I agree with you guys in that Anderson needs to be starting in left field. Norton is far more valuable off the bench and Anderson's speed is far more valuable on the basepath.
By cameron on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Did you see Anderson on that groundball he ripped to third. That was a textbook 5-4-3 double play, but he somehow beat it out to extend the game. Infante almost lost us the game last night playing in LF. Norton isn't that bad defensively but he is inconsistent at the plate. He is clutch late in the game as a pinch hitter. I'm confident of another Braves win tonight because JC is pitching. Looking forward to another good performance from him and a breakout offensive performance for the whole team, not just Chip, Tex and Frenchy.
Go Braves!