Atlanta Braves fall to Cincinnati Reds 1-2 as Cristhian Martinez gives up run in ninth - MLB Update
Relief pitcher Cristhian Martinez gives up a run in the ninth and cost the Atlanta Braves 1-2 defeat against the Cincinnati Reds in third game of the four match series at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio on May 23, 2012.
The game was heading for a tie as the innings progressed, without many runs being added. Second baseman, Dan Uggla struck a homer in the fourth for the Braves and short-stop, Zack Cozart completed run for the Reds in the sixth.
Other than this, no base-runner was aboard before the start of the bottom of the ninth. As the Braves wasted a chance to restore lead, the Reds however fully capitalised on penultimate moments of the game.
Martinez, who came to throw the remainder of the ninth, was unable to absorb pressure. The Reds’ third-baseman, Todd Frazier, thrashed a homer and fetched victory from him as a result.
Starter Tommy Hanson lived up to his role. In six innings, he gave up one run and four hits. He struck-out five. Only if relievers had supported, he will have recorded a win for the Braves.
Calling upon the need to be perfect in every respect of the play, Hanson was disappointed how easily the game slipped away from their hands in the ninth. Only a little decline in concentration in the last inning resulted in defeat, he rued.
"Tough loss," said Hanson. "But there's only so much you can do. It kind of (stinks) to see that ball go into the first row and that's how the game is determined."
Third-baseman Chipper Jones came as a pinch-hitter. Without recording any at-bat, he faced five pitches and drew one walk.
Absence of catcher Brian McCann is being felt, especially halfway through the game. The Braves have brought David Ross in his place. His performance on plate has not been that great. He was hitless in four at-bats on Wednesday.
The Braves managed just four hits in the game, in stark contrast to the number of hits they have been generating in the season.
Over the last week or so, the Braves’ areas of strength have reversed. Their pitchers have fared better than hitters.
While getting pitchers throw quality innings is great, unless hitters perform at potential, their progress is going to be seriously hampered.
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