Atlanta Braves face 1-5 defeat against Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field - MLB Update
The Atlanta Braves are beaten 1-5 by the Chicago Cubs as starter Tommy Hanson gives up two homers and records the loss at Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois on May 7, 2012 in first game of three-match series.
While the game was an exception amidst fire-works the Braves' offence has been making in the season, their pitchers betrayed them through and through.
All the pitchers employed by them gave up at-least one run in the game.
When Hanson was replaced with Eric O’Flaherty, manager Fredi Gonzalez hoped that few scoreless innings will follow and based on those, the offence will initiate chase of the lead.
However, it did not happen and O’Flaherty conceded one run. Even worse was Chad Durbin, who by giving up two runs, including a homer, switched off whatever remaining hope the Braves had for making a comeback.
Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez stated that by the time their pinch-hitter assumed the plate, they had their chances to bounce back. As the desired hits did not come about, the game kept going away from their reach, he maintained.
"We had some chances there in the seventh with [Hinske] at the plate, and he hit a rocket to the first baseman and he doubled us off. They were able to add on some runs late, and that was pretty much the game," said Gonzalez.
Third-baseman, Chipper Jones managed two hits in four at-bats. Although Jones is still having issues with his surgically repaired knee, his on the plate movements are inspirational.
Not a permanent member in the line-up, whatever games he is however playing are witnessing his best coming out.
Catcher Brian McCann had a hitless time on the plate for the Braves. Right-fielder Jason Heyward hit a homer in the second.
Other than two homers on his pitches, Hanson believes, he had a fairly good time on the mound.
"I felt good. Obviously I wasn't good enough, but the back-to-back homers didn't help the cause," Hanson said. "That was all they needed."
Pitching department has been a biggest worry for the Braves. If they can plug loopholes in this area, they can substantiate their season chances in many ways.
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