Atlanta Braves lose 2-4 to Pittsburgh Pirates - MLB Update
Starter Randall Delgado leaves the Atlanta Braves losing 2-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia on April 28, 2012.
Not the best of times on the mound, Delgado gave up four earned runs in little more than four innings. While striking-out four, he conceded eight hits, which actually cost the game in the end.
A risk the Braves have been living on throughout the season gave its affect in the game. A little lack of run support from the offence meant the pitchers will not stand up.
Their rotation has been one of the poorest in the season. It was mammoth support they drew from their hitters that have led to their amazing 13-8 regular season start thus far.
Game saw Chipper Jones coming as a pinch-hitter. The Braves are using him sparingly against the backdrop of his injury prone body.
Braves’ manager Fredie Gonzalez stepped up, putting faith in Delgado’s abilities. While admitting he had a poor outing today, he hopes that two poor games he has until now will only serve as a lesson to avoid repeating mistakes in their upcoming games.
"We're trying to keep running him out there, trying to get him through some stuff," said Fredi Gonzalez. "He just couldn't get it going today. Couldn't get his breaking pitches over."
Terming him a different player from last year, he expects a better performance from him this year.
"The little that I know him from last year and this year, he's going to be OK," Gonzalez clarified. "He's going to use these last two outings as experience and keep going forward."
It was not the worst of days as far as the Braves' offence is concerned. After all the Braves had eight hits, which were adequate for defeating any side.
With Martin Prado going 2-for-4 and Dan Uggla providing one RBI in three at-bats, only a below par performance by the pitchers betrayed them.
A need for a reliable ace was palpable in the game. Without Tim Hudson, it will be extremely hard for the Braves to convert their initial success in season into something substantial.
The manager, Gonzalez will look forward to an improved show by the pitchers in forthcoming games.
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