Friday, April 4, 2008

Braves fall in extra innings, but triple switch pulled off!

The Braves lost to the Pirates last night, but the craziest thing about the 10-inning affair was the triple switch that happened in the top of the tenth. With only two pitchers left in the pen, Bobby Cox went to righty Chris Resop with two runners on and and no outs. He got an out, then Cox called to the bullpen for his last pitcher, Southpaw Royce Ring, but Resop didn't leave the field. Instead, Matty Diaz left his leftfield spot, Resop went there and Ring came in as pitcher. After Ring struck out Adam LaRoche, Cox went to the mound, and brought Resop BACK to the mound and sent Gregor Blanco out to left field. Resop was able to pitch again because he had technically stayed in the game. I have not seen that happen in quite a while. But the Box score would have had Ring coming into Diaz's spot in the lineup and Resop would keep his spot at No.9, then when Blanco came in, he took Ring's spot in the lineup and it was in essance, ANOTHER double-switch.
WOW
But the Braves blew several chances last night to put this game away and they dropped to 1-3 on the season and the Mets are in town. Yesh. But Hudson is on the mound tonight, Glavine tomorrow and SMoltz goes against Johan on Sunday. Should be a classic game Sunday. But the Braves are throwing their best three pitchers at the Mets and hoping to take the series. I would think if Smoltz can get some juice from the home crowd Sunday (and I think he will) this could be a Braves' sweep. But I guess let's take it one game at a time.
Big Tex is STILL Strugg-LING...I guess MAYBE spring training matters a little more NOW?
And Huddy, we need 8 strong tonight as the bullpen is taxed.

PS, tune in tonight after the game to 790 the Zone for a special edition of Extra Innings.

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