Atlanta Braves outclass Miami Marlins 4-3 as Craig Kimbrel keeps control in ninth - MLB Update
The relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel records his 29th save of the season as the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 4-3 at Marlins Park, Miami on July 24, 2012 in the second game of the three match series.
It was not a comprehensive victory for the Braves as they had to survive their way through the penultimate innings for it. By the time Atlanta posted one run lead in the seventh, there was every possibility that the Marlins will blow it and pull off the
victory.
However, the way Braves’ relievers used their throws to trick batters and compelled them for making mistakes was commendable.
Their relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty succeeded the starter Tim Hudson. Far from allowing many hits and bringing Marlins close to victory, he completed a scoreless inning.
The closer Kimbrel who followed him was even better, as whatever attempt Miami made to bounce back was befittingly put to rest by him.
Meanwhile, Braves can be comfortable with the fact that finally one of their starters stepped up and delivered a quality spell of innings.
The Braves have been unfortunate with regard to their starting pitchers as most of them have struggled by-and-large in the season.
On Tuesday, Hudson completed seven innings as he conceded three runs and allowed just five hits in the game.
"I threw some sinkers down in the zone and made them hit it on the ground and hopefully (the ball) goes to some of our guys," Hudson said.
Meanwhile, Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez is all-praise for Jason Heyward. He is extremely pleased with the way Heyward is showing consistency with regard to making hits.
"(Heyward) is getting on base and getting big hits when we need them," Gonzalez said. "He's a force at the top of the lineup."
Heyward struck one hit on Tuesday in two at-bats as he drove in two runs.
Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen is in a desperate need of witnessing his offence stepping up and bringing more runs. He will be concerned as to why the batters are unable to transform their hits into leading base-runners aboard.
It was the second game of the series. Marlins will be making sure that next time they do not repeat the same mistakes and come up with an improved performance.
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