Atlanta Braves beat Miami Marlins 2-1 as Craig Kimbrel shows command in ninth - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel keeps the Miami Marlins at bay in the ninth as the Atlanta Braves win 2-1 at Marlins Park, Miami, FL on June 6, 2012, in second game of the three match series.
Starter Randall Delgado struck-out seven for the Braves. In little more than six innings, he conceded just one run.
The Braves have invested a tremendous amount of patience in Delgado. They did not cast him off even when his performance took a nosedive in the season. It seems the dividends have started to pay off now.
He looked vastly reformed against the Marlins on Wednesday, giving an impression that he has unlearned his mistakes.
With Delgado taken off after the passage of over six innings, the Braves sent relievers on the mound.
Bullpen has kept the Braves’ pitching department together in the season. Therefore, drawing a tremendous spell from the starter meant that quest for victory was made easier.
It was then no surprise, when one after another reliever stepped on the mound and finished innings scoreless. Of all the relievers, Craig Kimbrel saw a toughest task on hand.
Ahead of the Marlins by just one run, and under the pressure of being roughed-up, he had to be meticulous in his throws.
He came out successful, registering his 17th save of the season.
Marlins’ starter Josh Johnson was touch unlucky, in being accorded the loss. He struck-out nine and only the fact the Marlins’ offence fared poor on plate, he had to embrace the loss.
For a side, which finds the offence as a cause of their dominance, watching the pitchers lifting them to victory was to elicit special praise from the manager. Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez was jubilant after witnessing a terrific performance from the pitchers.
''Our pitching was phenomenal,'' Gonzalez said. ''We had good solid defense, nothing flashy, made all the routine plays and just got enough runs. Games like these where the pitchers give you a good effort and keep the opposition from putting a big number
up - we've won four or five like this.''
The Braves have won the series. Beating the Marlins in their home ground is not a small achievement. Carrying the momentum forward and recording the sweep will be the next assignment for the Braves.
Tags: