Mike Minor helps Atlanta Braves to a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies - MLB Update
Starter Mike Minor remains scoreless in seven innings as the Atlanta Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 1-0 at Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia on September 5, 2012 in the third match of the four game series.
The drought of hits prevailed throughout the game. Apart from few batters, most of the players ended up hitless.
Given the fact that it was a low scoring game, a couple of productive hits will have ensured the victory for either side. In turn both starters were always vulnerable to facing a loss despite putting up impressive shows on the mound.
Minor was fortunate enough to see one run scored by the batter as otherwise his impeccable spell of seven innings was likely to be rendered insignificant.
Catcher Brian McCann grounded into fielder’s choice and thanks to the fielding error he reached second base as Chipper Jones scored.
Minor recorded his eighth win on Wednesday. The relievers that followed him also remained scoreless. By striking-out four in little more than one inning, Craig Kimbrel earned his 33rd save of the season.
Offensively Atlanta struck only four hits in the match. This was a kind of performance they have rarely fared in the season. For a club which arguably possesses one of the best offence such a show will be a concern for the management.
Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez speaks highly about his pitchers, claiming they have not outwitted mediocre batters. Instead he believes the Rockies are a quality side and restricting them explains the effectiveness with which his starters have thrown.
"They're not schleppers out there, and we've had some pretty good ball games pitched against them, with Tommy (Hanson) and Mike Minor and obviously (Kris) Medlen," Gonzalez said. "They swing the bats. They scare you a little bit."
The role of Kimbrel in the match is worth mentioning because he kept the Rockies scoreless at a crucial juncture of the game.
"I've been wanting to do that all year," Kimbrel said. "It's definitely a little different. It's definitely something I want to do again."
Despite winning the game Gonzalez will be aware of the issues that may become a cause of undoing for the team in upcoming matches. He will be working on them so that they are fixed in time.
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