Mike Minor helps Atlanta Braves outclass Washington Nationals 5-1 - MLB Update
Starter Mike Minor registers the win as the Atlanta Braves complete the sweep of the Washington Nationals beating them 5-1 at Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia on September 16, 2012 in the last match of the three game series.
It took just two innings for the Braves to record the victory on Sunday. By posting two runs in the third and three in the seventh inning, they took their lead to a level which was enough to ensure them the triumph.
Nationals’ offence put up a dismal show in the game. Against the quality pitchers of the Braves, it struggled immensely.
Washington managed six hits. Yet they failed to convert them into such a total on the score-board which can be formidable for the opposition.
Over the last few months, Washington has been incredible offensively. Their batters in particular Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman have been supporting them with home-runs and hits on a consistent basis.
However, against the Braves in the current series, they have not shown the kind of aggression they are known for.
In contrast, Braves’ batters slammed hits on Sunday whenever they were needed to send the base-runners aboard.
Their second baseman Dan Uggla contributed two RBIs while connecting one hit in three at-bats. Similarly the third baseman Chipper Jones drew a single which resulted in the first run scored by Atlanta in the match.
Minor started for Atlanta and he completed six innings as he struck-out three.
Minor has lowered down his expectations and that is what he feels is the reason behind better performances coming off from him since the start of the second half of the season.
"I made my goals a little more realistic," Minor said. "At the beginning of the year, I wanted to pitch a shutout or a no-hitter every time I went out there. Now, I know if I get through six innings and give up three runs or less, it's a good day."
Uggla is looking forward to keep the momentum going and continue putting up excellent performances.
"Look what happened to us last year," Uggla said. "We're back in the hunt. We still need a little bit of magic, but we'll see what happens."
Braves have beaten the most dominant opposition in the National League East Division. Their confidence will be high at the moment. Atlanta will be looking to build a long winning streak from now onward.
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