Atlanta Braves: 3 Takeaway’s from Monday’s bashing of Pirates and Scuffle
By James Kunkle
Monday’s game between the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates left us with plenty to talk about.
The bottom line, however, is the Atlanta Braves won 13-7.
And combined with the fact the Philadelphia Phillies lost, the Atlanta Braves are now tied for first place in the NL East.
Nick Markakis had a much needed big game on Monday with 4 hits and 4 RBI to pace the Braves on offense.
As for the rest, let’s get to it.
1. What was up with the scuffle?
Yes, Joe Musgrove hit Josh Donaldson with a fastball on the very first pitch of the at-bat. Was it intentional? I have no clue.
I’ve noticed in this day and age when a player gets hit, most times they have a look that it was always intentional.
It’s always been a part of the game, and it always will be — take your base and go on. Everyone knows when it is indeed intentional.
Now with that being said, I have no clue if Musgrove said anything to provoke Josh Donaldson or not?
I admittedly do not know if these two have any past history as well. I wouldn’t think so as this is the first year they have been in the same league together.
Despite all of this though, my biggest problem was the fact that the umpiring crew threw both players out, and I don’t blame Clint Hurdle for being upset and in the process getting tossed as well.
The fact that Musgrove got ejected certainly helped the Atlanta Braves, however. So, I’m not gonna cry over that.
But curious stuff has involved, no doubt.