Atlanta Braves blank New York Mets 4-0 as Paul Maholm throws complete game - MLB Update
The starter Paul Maholm throws three-hitter complete game as he leads the Atlanta Braves to a 4-0 triumph against the New York Mets at Citi Field, New York on August 10, 2012 in the first game of the three match series.
It was one of the rare games in which the Braves starter completed nine innings on the mound. The fact the Braves entertain a weak rotation renders the splendid outing by Maholm on Friday even more significant.
Maholm was acquired by Atlanta before the trade deadline against the backdrop of the injuries and the poor form some of their starters suffered.
Furthermore, the fact the Braves are in contention for qualifying for the post season had encouraged team officials to obtain Maholm in the trade market. So far the move is working as Maholm wins games for the team.
On the other hand, the Mets’ starter Matt Harvey cost two runs and walked five times in the game. It was his third loss in the season since making the Major League debut.
Meanwhile, Harvey says he tried hard to restrict runs and hits and therefore he is pleased with his performance overall. However, he admits the walks that he gave up were the worst part of his outing on the mound.
"I did everything I could to figure it out as fast as possible, and I was able to keep the team close," Harvey said. "Walking people is not what I want to do. I was glad I was able to figure it out."
Similarly, Mets’ manager Terry Collins acknowledges the talent of Harvey, the glimpse of which was on display in the match. Keeping the opposition to just two hits tells something of Harvey’s potential.
"I was very impressed at how he settled down. He settled down and started making pitches. He got himself into a nice easy groove," Collins said. "He has all the talent he needs to compete here. All he needs to do is make pitches."
As far as the Braves’ offence was concerned, right fielder Jason Heyward and the second baseman Dan Uggla struck two-run home-runs. The contribution from their part led to the victory as New York failed to post even a single run during the whole game.
As for the next two games in the series, the Braves will be trying to keep the momentum going whereas the Mets will be hoping that their offence improves sharply.
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