Mike Minor shines as Atlanta Braves defeat Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 – MLB Update
Mike Minor pitched seven strong innings and Brian McCann hit a two-run homer to help the Atlanta Braves beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 at Turner Field, Atlanta on Tuesday, June 21.
Adam Lind drove in a single to give the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead in the very first inning that Mike Minor pitched. The starter gave up two hits in the inning, one of which resulted in Lind’s single to centre.
Chipper Jones made a quick comeback with his sacrifice fly to centre, tying the score on one of the vulnerable pitches of Blue Jays’ Zach Stewart. He gave up three hits in the inning and the Braves managed to make use of them.
Minor was merciless as he unleashed his unplayable fastballs and throwing the Blue Jays’ offence in complete confusion. Emboldened by an equally strong offence, Minor had an opportunity to go even harder against the Blue Jays.
The star pitcher even won McCann’s praise who himself was exceptionally good with bat. "I think he's getting more comfortable, more confident, more understanding of what he needs to do when he gets strike one," McCann said. "He got so many swings and misses
on his changeup."
The third inning heralded a complete change in the complexion of the game as Brian McCann opened his bat. The stylish Braves’ hitter homered to right centre to take the lead to 3-1 which brought cheers in the team-camp.
"I've been seeing the ball well all season long," McCann said. "And early in the year, I talked to my brother about some adjustments and ever since we've talked I've been able to really let the bat fly through the zone."
Alex Gonzalez then doubled to take the lead to 4-1 by doubling to left in an inning which saw Stewart give up three hits and allow three runs, bringing the Braves in the strong position to brace for a victory.
If Stewart thought his misers had come to an end as he gave up four runs in the first three innings, Jason Heyward proved him wrong with his single to centre, giving an advantageous 5-1 lead to the Braves by the end of the fourth inning.
Minor then successfully defended the lead backed by the relievers’ Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters to translate the lead into 5-1 for the second consecutive win in the three-game series.
The Braves put in a brilliant performance as they managed to contain the Blue Jays’ offence. The Blue Jays struggled during the game, as they having a hard time getting their offence to fire against the tremendous pitching of Minor. The two teams shall battle
for the last game on Wednesday.
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