Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: A New Flyover
Monday afternoon in Philly had to be be something of a recovery day after a Sunday of whirlwind activity at Ft. Bragg. But one bad inning sunk the Braves.
The ball was up and the ball was pounded.
Joel De La Cruz pitched brilliantly for 5 innings yesterday, striking out four and walking none while giving up just one hit. Unfortunately, he also pitched during the second inning.
In that frame, he was hammered for seven extra-base hits, 8 total, and 7 runs – though charged with just four, thanks to an almost inexplicable throwing error by Brandon Snyder. It was that ugly.
If you were to throw out that inning, it was an excellent performance by the Atlanta starter. But he got out of sync and his pitches were almost universally up in the strike zone. Hence, 2 homers, a triple, and 4 doubles.
De La Cruz managed to right the ship and steer it on course for 4 more innings, which certainly saved the bullpen from excess effort. Great job to do so.
Meanwhile, the Braves’ bats could not solve Jerad Eickhoff. He nearly finished the 8th inning, striking out 8. His only real miscues were an ambush homer by Erick Aybar – his first of the year – and 3 walks. A rare pair of back-to-back hits in the 8th plated a second run, but the 2-out rally could not be sustained.
Back to a regular schedule tonight: Braves and Phillies at 7:05 ET from Citizens’ Back Park.
Next: A Less Intimidating Heli Flyover
A New Look at SunTrust Park this Morning
A thank you goes to WSB SkyCopter reporter Mark McKay for posting a quick video on twitter this morning – captured as he passes by the SunTrust Park construction site.
Have a look!
Good morning to everyone working hard @SunTrustPark here in Cobb County! @wsbradio SkyCopter @wsbtv Capt'n Cam pic.twitter.com/tqMO0jrpua
— Mark McKay (@mckayWSB) July 5, 2016
Next: Back to Work
Appy League: Atlanta Braves’ first-rounder looks to take next step with Danville in game at Burlington
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- Atlanta Braves Swing Trade with the New York Yankees for Lucas Luetge
- Atlanta Braves 2012 Top Prospects Review: Zeke Spruill
Less than a year ago, first-round draft pick Kolby Allard of the Atlanta Braves underwent back surgery to repair a herniated disc.
Now Allard says he’s beyond the recovery process and continuing to put the pieces together.
The 18-year-old left-hander, who’s coming off his best outing as a professional, goes to the mound tonight for the Danville Braves in their Appalachian League game against the host Burlington Royals.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Allard said.
…
Allard tossed six shutout innings last week against the Johnson City Cardinals, resulting in his first career victory. He gave up two hits and a walk in that game.
The outcome on the scoreboard, he said, was the most rewarding.
“Winning,” he said. “Just helping your team win.”
[ Ed. note – much more at the link above. Allard was that somewhat-risky high-upside pick Atlanta took last year after he’d fallen down all the draft boards prior to the Braves’ 14th pick. Now he’s finally up and pitching and obviously making some progress.
Next: Checking the rest of the minor leagues
Hopefully that will continue for the rest of this short season with Danville. ]