Atlanta Braves Game 2: offense comes to life late vs. Mets pitching
Extra Innings / The Bats are Alive!
Here’s how the 10th broke down…
Adam Duvall was deposited on second base to begin the Atlanta 10th. On an 0-2 count, a lunging Dansby Swanson steered a ball up the middle against Hunter Strickland to drive home Duvall.
Johan Camargo then drilled a ball toward shortstop that had wicked spin on it. That ball eluded a good defender in Ahmed Rosario and trickled away. Runners on the corners.
Ender Inciarte nubbed a ball between the mound and first base. It was as good as a well-placed bunt. He was out (the first out), but Swanson scored.
Now comes William Contreras, hitting for Jackson, and he stayed on a slider to drive a ball to deep right-center for a double, an RBI, and his first major league hit. That scored Camargo.
Pitching change: enter Drew Smith.
Ronald Acuna… 0-4 on the day… make it 0 for 5 after a called strike three. Ozzie Albies was then retired after a nice play on a sharp grounder by Pete Alonso. End of the inning, but damage done: 5-2 Braves.
Now the Mets Hit
Bottom of the 10th… Luke Jackson continues.
Marisnick grounded to third and the ball eluded both Camargo and Swanson. Installed runner McNeil was unable to advance.
Pete Alonso now up with a chance to tie the game. Full count to him before Jackson semi-hung a slider that Alonso lined to center. McNeil had to wait to see if it was going to be caught, so that loaded the bases.
Still nobody out.
Eduardo Nunez popped up the first pitch to center, but shallow enough for Ender to show off his arm – a perfect strike to home. No runners moved. One down.
Dominic Smith now… with everyone keenly aware that the game is on the line with each pitch… and Jackson’s now over 20 pitches overall.
A 2-2 pitch was hit to left-center, scoring McNeil, but costing the Mets their 2nd out. 5-3 Braves.
Catcher Wilson Ramos entered the batter’s box. Jackson’s now over 25 pitches. A 2-1 grounder to short ended the game.
Braves win… we can resume regular breathing!