New Atlanta Braves pitcher Kevin Gausman went only five-plus innings while giving up three runs on six hits.
The Atlanta Braves used a new arsenal in the third game of the series against the New York Mets Saturday. Newly acquired Kevin Gausman came in with a 5-8 W-L record with a 4.47 ERA. He didn’t have the flashy stats fans would want but he’s expected to be a reliable veteran in a relatively young rotation.
Gausman started out promising in the first, popping out Brandon Nimmo and then getting ground outs from Wilmer Flores and Michael Conforto.
Gausman retired the Mets in order in the 1st. BTW, he's the 11th pitcher to start for #Braves this season. Only the Mets (12) have used more starters.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 4, 2018
That went away the next inning when he hit Todd Frazier with a pitch to lead off the inning. Jeff McNeil doubled to left on the first pitch moving Frazier to third.
After Austin Jackson struck out, Amed Rosario grounded to third to score Frazier. Johan Camargo tried to hold Frazier but he eventually came home when Camargo threw to first.
The Mets were back at it in the sixth when Gausman allowed three consecutive singles to lead it off from Conforto, Frazier and McNeil. This prompt Atlanta Braves manager, Brian Snitker to take him out for Shane Carle.
Carle gave up a RBI hit to Jackson…at least, that’s what the box score says. It was actually an infield liner that glance off Carle’s glove and into no-man’s-land.
After striking out Rosario, Kevin Plawecki hit a sac fly to left to score another run, putting the Mets up 3-0. With this, Ronald Acuña was unable to line up a throw to home well enough.
In total, you could argue that the Braves – and Gausman – might have deserved a better fate.
Solid #Braves debut so far for Gausman, who's allowed 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 run through 5, that run probably preventable.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 5, 2018
No Runs Allowed
To be fair, Gausman did keep the game close for the Braves, holding the Mets to only one run for five innings before things unraveled a bit in that 6th.
While Gausman was having occasional trouble, Zack Wheeler was rolling for the Mets. Wheeler struck out the Braves side in the very first inning with Ronald Acuna Jr. swinging through three pitches that averaged around 98 mph.
In fact, the Braves offense didn’t really do much but strike out against Wheeler. In the seventh, Freddie Freeman hit a leadoff double but the Braves couldn’t cash in as Nick Markakis and Ender Inciarte lined out and Camargo struck out.
Wheeler finished up with 7 innings of 3-hit ball, walking 1 and punching out 9 Braves.
Atlanta had another chance in the following inning when Dansby Swanson and Adam Duvall each hit one-out singles. However, Acuña struck out for the third time in the game and Robert Gsellman got Ozzie Albies to ground out and end the inning.
Max Fried came out to pitch the bottom of the eight but since it was only one inning, he’ll probably still make the start in the double-header against the Washington Nationals on Monday.
Nothing changes as far as the #Braves plans to use Fried on Tuesday. Basically treated tonight's 8th inning as his side session. He will start game one of Tuesday's DH in DC, with Newcomb going game two. @680TheFan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) August 5, 2018
Fried allowed two one-out hits but went on to strike out two to end his outing on a high note.
Gsellman continued in the ninth and ended the game as the Atlanta Braves lost to the Mets 3-0.
With the Philadelphia Phillies beating the Miami Marlins, the Braves fall back to a game and a half behind in the standings while the Nationals split a double-header with the Reds.
That leaves the Nats 4½ behind Atlanta, though the Braves are currently in the second Wild Card slot, ½ game ahead of the LA Dodgers.
Atlanta won’t sweep the Mets but can go for the series win tomorrow when Julio Teheran takes the mound against Corey Oswalt at 1:10 PM ET.