Thoughts on Atlanta Braves Comeback Win
By Fred Owens
Kris Bryant’s Bad Night
Bryant’s line last night shows him 0-1 with a run scored, a walk and two HBP. His first at bat he struck out. His second at bat he ran the count full when he Harrell hit him with a two seam fastball and he walked in the sixth. His fourth inning HBP turned into nothing when Ender Inciarte pulled off another unexpected play catching a popup in short center and doubling Bryant off second with a quick on target throw to Jace Peterson.
In the eighth Bryant came up with two outs knowing he hadn’t been able to square up Harrell all night.
When he saw a slow curve on the first pitch he struck his knee in front of it rather than try to simply stand up and let it go past for a ball. In short he cheated rather than try to do his job and hit the ball.
That was the end of Harrell’s game as Hunter Cervenka was called to face the lefty Anthony Rizzo who he promptly hit. A single played into a triple by Ender Inciarte led to Bryant trotting home with a big smile on his face and the Cubs taking the lead.
Joe Maddon removed Bryant from the game as the game went to the ninth with their closer on the mound, a decision he might have regretted later.
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