Atlanta Braves’ Craig Kimbrel confident of growing stronger after season-ending loss – MLB News
Atlanta Braves’ closer Craig Kimbrel achieved more than what a rookie would desire in his first year at Major League baseball. He proved his mettle against the top teams on the circuit and the led the National League in saves, but lost it for the Braves
when they needed him the most.
The Braves needed just one win against the Philadelphia Phillies in the season-ending three-game series and had a miraculous chance to do so in the last game, but Kimbrel failed to hold things together and allowed the NL East Champions to score the equaliser,
before winning the game 4-3 in the 13th inning.
“As soon as the game was over, I wanted to be right back out there to do it again,” Kimbrel said. “It stinks I have to wait four months to get back out there. I definitely have this to think about during the offseason, something to work on, something to
push me a little bit. I want to get back to that situation the end of next year and be able to do the job next time.”
Kimbrel further added that there is nothing he can do about it, but he has learned from the experience and will make sure that he does fail like this again. He reiterated the need to remain focused on his job and not let emotions get the better of him.
One source of inspiration after the loss was Billy Wagner, who texted Kimbrel immediately after the game that he should learn from his mistakes and ensure that this does not grow big on him.
Wagner was inspirational for the Braves in 2010, saving the game from a similar situation against the Phillies and ensuring a postseason spot for Atlanta. However, Wagner was quick to acknowledge that this was Kimbrel’s rookie year and his performance, in
comparison to his experience, was above par. He further added that he had 16 years to prepare for the 2010 feat and is sure that Kimbrel will significantly improve for similar situations the next time he takes the mound.
The good news for the Braves is that the loss has not grown big on Kimbrel and the closer is already over with it. The management will be banking on his expertise for success in the next season.
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