Atlanta Braves defeat Houston Astros 3-1 in 2012 Spring Training - MLB Update
Atlanta Braves beat 3-1 Houston Astros as their starter Jair Jurrjens strikes-out four at Champion Stadium in Kissimmee, Florida on March 30, 2012 in their Grapefruit League clash.
Tim Hudson's injury had marred Braves progress earlier and with options limited manager Fredi Gonzalez knew his task will toughen during the season. Even bigger worry was an injury prone right knee of starter Jurrjens. Impact of which was visible when he
troubled getting his rhythm back in his initial Spring Training outings.
Thus, getting an ace returning gradually to his best is a healthy sign for the Braves. His today’s seven innings and win he was accorded after the match better reflected his tremendous career record of 50-33 and 3.40 ERA.
As Jurrjens stated that he has now come far from mental battle he believed hampered his performance earlier, he really showed consistency today on the mound.
"I have my control back and my pitches are starting to work," Jurrjens said. "I needed a big boost mentally after I got off to a tough start, but I have had two big ones now. I feel good."
Freddie Freeman keeps his Spring Training confidence afloat as he had another great day on the plate. As part of first inning rampage by the Braves, he hit twice on three at-bats and added one RBI along with one run he completed.
Kyle Weiland, Astros’ starter, became victim of first inning onslaught led by Luis Durango and Jack Wilson. Braves drew all three runs from his throws and as he spent six innings on the mound, he was hammered five hits. However he had managed five strike-outs.
Since Astros have two rotation spots undeclared yet and his being one of the contenders for them, perhaps he will see his chances dwindled after this game.
"I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself," Weiland said. "We have three guys going for two jobs. Things get worse when you try to do too much."
Just what the Braves will have envisaged to happen with them before the start of season has actually turned up for them. Winning convincingly with the help of their ace means more than just victory and who knows, Jurrjens picks momentum from here and goes
on to take his side to heights in the regular season.
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