Braves Sweep Marlins as Magnificent Miller Fillets the Fish
By Fred Owens
May 17, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Shelby Miller (17) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Spot on Miller
Miller spotted his fastball on both sides of the plate and had his breaking pitches slices bits off the zone. He entered the ninth inning having thrown first pitch strikes to 19 of the 24 hitters faced and allowing only one fly ball. Things would have been different had Gosselin not made a diving stop of a sure double off the bat of Adeiny Hechavarria to start the inning and an overturned call at first when it looked like Alvarez beat out an infield hit. Gosselin’s no hit saving dive was costly however as he sprained his thumb on the dive and had to leave the game to be replaced by Simmons.
The ninth started with two quick outs. Then Justin Bour hit the first pitch up the middle breaking up Miller’s no hit bid. Dee Gordon had an infield single on a ball than Simmons tried desperately to turn into a force out at second. With two on and two out Miller enticed Martin Prado to popup to Peterson to end the threat and the game.
That’s a Wrap
Miller’s masterpiece was possible because of a the hot bats of Cunningham, Peterson and doubles from veterans Ciriaco, Pierzynski. Maybin looks to have settled in well in the eight hole, Peterson is doing well as a leadoff man and the work of Cunningham since coming up on Friday’s been better than anyone could have expected. The kids are playing well and while they aren’t going to win every game they are going to play hard and be fun to watch. . . as long as Fredi doesn’t insist on inserting the worn out Alberto Callaspo or ineffective Eric Young Jr in the lineup. Both should be sent on vacation by a DFA and an assignment to Gwinnett or wherever they choose instead.