Atlanta Braves lose 2-6 to New York Yankees as Mike Minor gives up four runs - MLB Update
Starter Mike Minor records the loss despite striking-out seven as the Atlanta Braves face 2-6 defeat against the New York Yankees in first game of the three match series at Yankee Stadium, New York, NY on June 18, 2012.
Yankees keep momentum gained from last series afloat as they follow up with an equally dominant show on Monday. Their starter CC Sabathia threw complete game and restricted the Braves to just two runs.
Atlanta surged to one-run lead in the first. Meanwhile, Yankees experienced a drought, going through four scoreless innings before slamming back into the game, later.
Standing up in the fifth, Yankees went on to blow the lead. Moving past Braves, they recorded three runs in one inning.
Afterwards, they just substantiated their lead.
Meanwhile Sabathia, who had well adjusted to the mound by then, read situation intelligently, blocking Atlanta from bouncing back during penultimate innings.
Minor threw over five innings. Though he struck-out seven, he was unable to stymie Yankees’ onslaught in the fifth. He gave up four runs and allowed three walks.
Relievers for Atlanta also failed to stop Yankees from taking their lead to a substantial level. Relief pitcher Kris Medlen, who came to replace Minor, did not live up to the role the manager fancied of him. He conceded one run in one inning.
Game was another reminder of how Atlanta batters can be restrained with quality throws. Their hitters have been prolific for most part of the season, but when it comes to facing stronger oppositions like the Yankees, they flounder.
Brian McCann who assumed the plate as designated hitter was hitless, in-spite of the fact that he has been hammering massive homers in the season. Similarly, third-baseman Chipper Jones wasted four at-bats.
Opening game of the series is always important. More often than not, teams build on the momentum from there on and clinch series victory. In light of this, Braves will be aware of the monumental task ahead and what they will need to assert their contention
for the series.
If Atlanta can witness greater number of scoreless innings from the starter and better run-support from the offence, making a comeback will be easier.
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