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That's more like it. The playoffs are always sphincter time for Braves fans, conditioned by years of postseason failure. So it was cathartic to see us grab a game by the throat (against Clemens, no less), and not let go. There were ominous beginnings -- Smoltz threw 25 pitches in the first inning, and his intentional walk to Palmeiro after having him down 1-2 seemed almost a concession. But Smoltzie escaped and went on to gut out seven innnings in which his discomfort became increasingly obvious. The Astros propensity for swinging at the first pitch worked in his favor.
Brian McCann! It's his world tonight. 21 years old, and he goes deep against the greatest pitcher since Walter Johnson, erasing an Astros lead that seemed destined to hold up. Johnny who? Nothing against Estrada, but he just can't hit a ball that hard. Add in Langerhans' two hits, and the decision to start Jordan and Estrada in Game 1 -- platoon advantage and all -- seems like a waste of two lineup spots.
It was still a game in the seventh inning, Braves up 5-1, when Chris Burke hit a ringing double with two outs that looked for all the world like a home run. Biggio came up against an obviously tiring Smoltz and hit a rocket to third. Defying his poor defensive rep, Chipper snared it and barely threw out Biggio to end the inning. Reminded me of Walt Weiss against these same Astros in '99. Not as big a situation, but still. Note to Blood N' Guts Biggio -- NEVER SLIDE INTO FIRST BASE!
The Braves scored two in the seventh to make it 7-1, allowing Cox to bring in Reitsma, whose leash was assuredly short. Reitsma rewarded his faith with a scoreless eighth, and Farnsworth closed it out. On to Houston!
UPDATE: Historical note -- the matchup of Clemens (43) and Smoltz (38) was the oldest in postseason history, besting Jamie Moyer and Chuck Finley (combined 77) in 2001.
Brian McCann! It's his world tonight. 21 years old, and he goes deep against the greatest pitcher since Walter Johnson, erasing an Astros lead that seemed destined to hold up. Johnny who? Nothing against Estrada, but he just can't hit a ball that hard. Add in Langerhans' two hits, and the decision to start Jordan and Estrada in Game 1 -- platoon advantage and all -- seems like a waste of two lineup spots.
It was still a game in the seventh inning, Braves up 5-1, when Chris Burke hit a ringing double with two outs that looked for all the world like a home run. Biggio came up against an obviously tiring Smoltz and hit a rocket to third. Defying his poor defensive rep, Chipper snared it and barely threw out Biggio to end the inning. Reminded me of Walt Weiss against these same Astros in '99. Not as big a situation, but still. Note to Blood N' Guts Biggio -- NEVER SLIDE INTO FIRST BASE!
The Braves scored two in the seventh to make it 7-1, allowing Cox to bring in Reitsma, whose leash was assuredly short. Reitsma rewarded his faith with a scoreless eighth, and Farnsworth closed it out. On to Houston!
UPDATE: Historical note -- the matchup of Clemens (43) and Smoltz (38) was the oldest in postseason history, besting Jamie Moyer and Chuck Finley (combined 77) in 2001.
posted by Sam Bass | 11:50 PM
5 Comments:
For what it's worth, all the calls at first base were correct. Furcal did indeed look safe at third -- it couldn't have been any closer.
Spectacular grab by Chipper to hold the score at 5-1. Slow motion replays are overused. In real time, you get a great feel for the speed and just how far that ball was past him when he gloves it. However, to the producer's credit,the shot of Smoltzie and Chipper fist pumping is a classic. Its good to see some fire on the field. As has happened all season, the youngsters have stirred the pot. Let us hope they can maintain on the road.
With apologies to Sam, I was there, and if all those calls at first base were correct, I will consume my own liver with a side order of fava beans and a nice glass of Chianti, followed by a performnace of the Macarena in the buff. Jeff Nelson(the ump) is a joke in his profession
Don't know what to tell you, skin -- instant replay showed each to be correct. The Furcal to LaRoche DP attempt was particularly clear. No matter, we had 'em by the cajones all game long.
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