Atlanta Braves shutout by San Diego Padres 0-3 as Paul Maholm leaks two runs - MLB Update
Starter Paul Maholm gives up two runs as the Atlanta Braves are beaten 0-3 by the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, San Diego, California in the first match of the three game series on August 27, 2012.
Braves were scoreless throughout the match. It was a sudden collapse from their part after putting up a blistering show offensively in the last game.
With just four hits on Monday, their starting pitcher was unfortunate as he suffered the loss. On the other hand in the previous game their starter leaked runs and yet he earned the victory because Atlanta’s offence posted a substantial total on the score-board.
It seems the age factor has started taking its toll on the 40-year-old as the third baseman Chipper Jones. He missed a couple of games earlier and as he stepped on the plate after the rest he did not connect even a single hit in three at-bats.
Apart from Jones, catcher Brian McCann who is supposed to hit massive home-runs for the team as he has been doing so in the past was hitless on Monday. His performance has declined considerably since the beginning of the second half. With the batting average
falling after every game, he cannot afford to experience a slump at this stage of the season.
The fact the Braves are in contention for playing in the play-offs shows the significance of McCann to the team. If the Braves have to eschew the repetition of last year's September collapse, getting all the players performing at their potential is important.
Meanwhile, Maholm completed a spell of little more than six innings on Monday. He yielded eight hits while surrendering two runs. Unable to receive enough support from the offence, he could not deliver his side to victory.
Braves are known for bouncing back strongly. In the next two games remaining in the series, improved shows from their offence can be expected. Their batters will be trying to make sure they grapple with the throws effectively next time.
It will be interesting to see what strategy the team follows in the upcoming matches.
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