Atlanta Braves: Takeaways from win in Game 2 against the Cardinals
By Clint Manry
1. The bullpen resets
Here’s a neat little cause and effect: Folty’s dominant outing forced manager Brian Snitker to stay put in the dugout, which meant that each inning that passed by was another reliever Snitker didn’t have to exhaust.
I don’t have to explain the importance of such a thing. We are all too familiar with the ebbs and flows of bullpen maintenance (and how it can be a mess at times).
Both teams were up against a day off anyways, so it wasn’t exactly as critical as it could’ve been; but still, we saw in Game 1 that all it takes is a guy warming up to really screw things up (reliever Chris Martin is out for the entire NLDS).
Snitker had two buttons left to push once he decided to pull Folty, going with Max Fried for the 8th and Mark Melancon in the 9th — really the two best options in the ‘pen at the moment.
Both Fried and Melancon responded by collectively allowing just 3 hits and striking out four. That’s a hold for the former and a save for the latter.
Snitker will have ALL of his horses in the bullpen ready and available. Plus, depending on how Sunday’s Game 3 goes, he can perhaps form an action plan that could possibly allow Fried to start Game 4… if he plays his cards right.
Overall, the bullpen situation is in a much improved place compared to 24 hours ago.
Next up
The Braves and Cardinals will continue the series on Sunday, as the Braves’ Mike Soroka will face the Cardinals’ veteran, Adam Wainwright.
This road start is exactly what the Braves wanted for Soroka, who has been lights out away from SunTrust Park: 16 starts, 7-1, 1.55 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, .205 BAA
Meanwhile, Wainwright has been rather sharp himself, going 5-1 and pitching to a 3.15 ERA in his last 5 starts.
Let’s hope Friday’s big win isn’t all for nothing. The Braves have a nice setup going into Game 3: they have a rested bullpen, their top starter slated to take the mound and a chance to take the lead in this 5-game series.
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What do you think? What were some takeaways that you have from Game 2 on Friday night? Let us know in the comments.