It was nice to see the Braves bounce back after that crushing loss yesterday. It was also nice to see them collectively strike out just twice - and one of those was the pitcher. I don't really think we can take much from these games this weekend simply because it's so cold that it affecting the way everyone plays the game. They may not come out and say it, but it is affecting many of them. This quote from Macay McBride may put the best face on how players are handling the extreme cold:
Nonetheless, the excessive walks and other sloppy play may be the rust of the early season as well as the cold weather. But Smoltz was able to pitch through the weather better than Glavine who ran into all sorts of trouble in the sixth inning. After a double by Andruw and a single by Francoeur, Craig Wilson walked to load the bases and then Matt Diaz came through with a sac fly to chase Glavine from the game. Their bullpen failed them a little as it allowed two more runs to score - which ended up being the difference in the game. The unfortunate part of the game for Glavine was that the two errors the Mets committed allowed three unearned runs to score - but we'll take it.
Now, let's see if Kyle Davies can go out there and get them tomorrow!
N.Y. Mets 3, Atlanta 5 at Turner Field
N.Y. Mets Record: (4-1)
Atlanta Record: (4-1)
Winning pitcher - John Smoltz (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Tom Glavine (1-1)
SV - Bob Wickman (2)
Unrelated to today's game, but Blaine Boyer will be sidelined until at least May after straining an oblique muscle. This apparently happened towards the end of spring training in his last appearance. So if Yates and others continue to struggle, that limits our options for replacement relievers to Moylan or a number of other less desirable options.