Oops! The Braves lose the sort of game they’ve been winning
The Padres tie the game. Note Billy Wagner's reaction. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
It was a dark night in a sunny season. A great closer went out two runs ahead and came back with a blown save.
“He’s been perfect,” Bobby Cox said, speaking of Billy Wagner. Then, correcting himself: “Almost perfect.”
Right the second time. Because this is baseball, where nobody’s perfect. But sometimes you learn more about a club on a dark night that in the afterglow of the most improbable walk-off win, and here’s what we saw from Wagner late Wednesday:
A guy who blamed nobody but himself. Not the umps, not the fates, nobody but the guy who had the ball with a job to do and, for only the fourth time this season, couldn’t do it.
Wagner hated the fastball he threw to Scott Hairston, which became the home run that halved the lead. He could live with the ball Yorvit Torrealba drove into the right-field corner to tie the game: “He hit a pretty good pitch.” And sometimes it happens.
Said Wagner: “It was one of those nights. I didn’t have enough to get it done.”
He didn’t seek to downplay the loss. “This was a big game,” Wagner said. “If you win this, you win the series and you’re going for a sweep tomorrow. Now tomorrow’s an even bigger game for both teams.”
The Braves and Padres could well be playing this sort of game late in October. They’ve traded the National League’s best record these past two days, and they resemble one another in many ways: Good starting pitching, great bullpens, just enough offense. The Braves have 16 victories in their final at-bat; Wednesday’s game marked the Padres’ 14th.
And there’s really little more to say about this: The Braves had a chance but didn’t win; the Padres seized their chance and did. Fair play to the visitors. But now they play again this afternoon, a big-time series and the league’s best record again on the line.
“The night didn’t go our way,” Wagner said, “but we’re still confident.”
The Braves should be. They’re good. The Padres are, too. Thursday’s game is the final schedule meeting between the two, but that isn’t to say they won’t see another again. Best-of-seven for the right to represent the National League in the Fall Classic — how’s that sound?
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142 comments Add your comment
Joey
July 22nd, 2010
8:17 am
The Braves had many chances for insurance runs, but got 0 timely hitting. I’ve been a McLouth suporter, but last night’s game has soured me on him. Let him bat with a RISP and he now always strikes out or hits a infield pop up. Then when he let that runner advance to third by not throwing immediately to the cut-off man . . .
But y’all know Bobby – he’s got to go with his gut feeling. Also, he brings Dunn into the most pressure packed situation of the game, and Dunn gets the out that ends the inning. Why not let him go back out and pitch the next inning or two?
Oh Mark
July 22nd, 2010
8:18 am
I’m glad Shug agrees with the Oriental Lickmeister from the Far East
Matt
July 22nd, 2010
8:20 am
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a closer “tee-d” off on like that last night. The Padres hitters looked like they had been waiting for Wagner all night and knew exactly what was coming. Brutal.
Sonny Clusters
July 22nd, 2010
8:23 am
Seems like everytime the Braves needed a big hit McLouth was coming up to bat.
Nope
July 22nd, 2010
8:25 am
Coach (2011 or Bust) ,
I agree…kind of. Where I don’t agree with you is in the case of Wagner. He is a CLOSER not a SAVER. Bobby brings him in to close out games. Doesn’t matter if it is a save situation or a blowout. I do agree that he misuses the pen from time to time.
Joey
July 22nd, 2010
8:30 am
I was a McLouth supporter, but after last night, I wouldn’t play him again. Bugkiller is right, he is as useless as Norton, and apparently is on Bobby’s good side as much “Nortie” was. With RISP, he either strikes out awkwardly or pops up to an infielder. And then he let that runner advance to third cause he didn’t throw to his cut-off man, just held the ball looking confused . . .
And while I’m on Bobby, he brings in Dunn in the most pressure packed situation of the game, and he gets the final out of the inning. Why not let him pitch the next inning or two? Bobby goes through pitchers in tight games like Al Gore goes through masseuses.
Let's Go
July 22nd, 2010
8:32 am
Does anyone else believe Glaus is hurt? I mean it’s not just the home runs, he’s only had 4 doubles in the last month too. I think it’s time for the 15 day DL for him to rest because it has to be the knees or back that is causing this.
Joey
July 22nd, 2010
8:32 am
Bobby brings in Dunn in the most pressure packed situation of the game, and Dunn gets the final out of the inning. Why doesn’t he let him pitch for another inning or two?
Bobby goes through pitchers in tight games like Al Gore goes through masseuses.
Joey
July 22nd, 2010
8:35 am
…….and, as a former McLouth supporter, he’s got to go. With RISP, he either strikes out awkwardly (yes, Bugkiller, like Norton) or pops up to an infielder. Then he let that runner advance to third because he didn’t immediately throw to his cut-off man . . .
I think he’s still woozy.
It Happens
July 22nd, 2010
8:35 am
No closer is perfect anymore in baseball. It’s one game. Plus, both Mets and Phillies lost also. So all is good!
GTfan
July 22nd, 2010
8:36 am
Braves pulled a Paul Hewitt trick….they Bewitt!!!!!!!!!
One game does not make a season. The Braves will be back today.But Bewitt? I give up!
Joey
July 22nd, 2010
8:37 am
Let’s see, in this series, Bobby’s replacement is 1-0, and Bobby is 0-1.
It Happens
July 22nd, 2010
8:38 am
Forgot one thing. McLouth really needs to go!!!!!!!!!
Coach (2011 or Bust)
July 22nd, 2010
8:39 am
Ok, you have a point. Also, Wagner is on pace to appear in 72 games this year, which would be his 2nd highest career total in one season (Wagner pitched in 75 games in 2005).
As far the teams present position goes, if they do nothing more than play .500 baseball from here on out the 2010 Braves would still win 89 games. Ninety plus wins seems like a lock to me.
extremus
July 22nd, 2010
8:42 am
Last night was frustrating, but during a 162-game season, you’re going to have some of those go your way and some against you; that’s baseball. The Padres are definitely legit with that pitching staff, and got some timely hitting in an unlikely (but still possible) situation. Hats off to them; now let’s focus on winning this one to clinch the series and a winning homestand.
There are some very good teams in the National League right now, and the Braves and Padres are two of them. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them playing sometime during October. The road to the World Series doesn’t clearly go through ANYBODY this year as there are too many contenders, so at least the Braves need to try their best to gain the home field advantage that’s been so great for them this season.
Mr. Obvious
July 22nd, 2010
8:46 am
The Braves may have lost last night, but at least they are still better off this week than Damon Evans.
Hard Chargers7
July 22nd, 2010
8:47 am
Sorry to say this but ,I hope McLouth goes 0-4 or what ever the rest of his games playing with the Braves so Wren doesn’t fool around and we could go after a big bat by trading maybe Melky or McLouth and some pitching prospects.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
July 22nd, 2010
8:47 am
Troy Glaus last homered on June 19th. Since then he has played in 22 games, hitting .178 with 9 singles, 4 doubles, ZERO HR’s and 4 RBI.
From April 1st to April 31st : .194 BA with 2 HR’s and 9 RBI.
From May 1st through June 19th: .318 BA with 12 HR’s and 46 RBI.
The dude is one streaky hitter, that’s for damn sure.
Hard Chargers7
July 22nd, 2010
8:55 am
Yeah Coach,Hopefully Glaus will start hitting again when it comes to crunch time.
fieldofdreams
July 22nd, 2010
8:55 am
Seems we need somebody who can smack the white leather covered, red-seamed, round ball over Turner Fields’ symmetrical blue wall.
Navigator
July 22nd, 2010
8:57 am
I’ll say it again and again, Cox doesn’t know how to handle pitchers. Wagner has been sensational this year, but he came in throwing the ball high and they were teeing off on those pitches. Does Cox think Wagner can be replaced when he’s not getting the job done? Let me ask you, would Billy Martin or Casey Stengel have had a problem removing a pitcher when they are being jumped on with the game on the line. This loyalty crap is just that crap, always fall back on that when you don’t do what a manager is suppose to do.
J-Smoove
July 22nd, 2010
8:58 am
The Braves should have given McClouth to Toronto in the Escobar trade, just to get rid of him. The Braves could have got a few bats for Nate and I would consider that a fair trade. Glaus really needs to get his bat going again. I agree with you Coach… he is very streaky and hopefully he will catch another HOT streak for the home stretch. HOWEVER, it is only one game and at least the Phils and Mets lost once again. The Braves will have the division in the bag come mid August. GO BRAVOS!!!!!!!!!!!
Fan since 1977
July 22nd, 2010
9:01 am
Maybe Wren is showcasing McLouth for a possible trade. Other than that I see no reason why he starts and Melky and/or Diaz sit.
Glaus has admitted he us a streaky hitter. But he also has not played a full season in a while, and the heat can wear on a 6′6″ 260 lb. guy. I believe a lefty-righty platoon with Hinske will help in the stretch run. Keep both rested but sharp.
Lay off Wags. Guy is a gamer. Fine, he blew a save. I ain’t perfect in my job either. The overall effect he has had on this club has been tremendous.
Let’s see a good bounce back this afternoon! Go Bravos!!
donny ballgame
July 22nd, 2010
9:08 am
Padres Power!
Don
July 22nd, 2010
9:10 am
Same old Bobby. Continues to violate fundamentals of winning. Seems to have no understanding of playing the hot player — Diaz and Infante both on the bench. How many more games can Cox blow and the Braves still win the Division. Remember that for the first 1/4 of the season or longer he played both McLouth and Melky in the outfield at the same time – with neither of them producing at that time and caused the Braves to lose who knows how many games. Surely with Diaz and Infante both hitting great, he will not go back to playing both McLouth and Melky at the same time. But don’t bet on it – Unbelievable.
Fan since 1977
July 22nd, 2010
9:11 am
Donny Ballgame got hosed on that “double-trip” to the mound Tues night that cost him Broxton. It was chicken-bleep.
ARMY TRAINING!!!!!!!
July 22nd, 2010
9:24 am
Folks, relax…..It is only ONE GAME!
TommyJack
July 22nd, 2010
9:28 am
1. Nobody I’d rather have in that situation than Wagner.
2. Don’t know why Bobby plays McClouth. (Melky is a switch hitter, is he not?)
3. Glaus looks hurt.
4. If Gonzalez gets no more hits this year, I still like the trade.
5. Kyle (above) is a gas-bag. HAS TO be a Philly native.
DoninGa
July 22nd, 2010
9:33 am
When Glaus misplayed the pop behind 1st and then with an extra swing a HR and finally when McCann didn’t block the plate to prevent a good slide; the baseball god said, “that’s it!”
Lucky for me I saw and knew and turned it off confident it would soon be over for the Braves.
Ben Hill, Been Real
July 22nd, 2010
9:33 am
lol! Guys this is one game! and its outta the division! saves are gonna get blown; its baseball for god sake. Id rather see a game blown outta the division instead of within. One lousy play at the plate and the Braves pickup Wags in a game where he the padres hit 3 good pitches. Get over it we are all better than this
NashvilleDan
July 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
When this season is over & they have not made the playoffs, we can all look back on this game as the turning point i.e. why was McLouth playing and not the red hot Matt Diaz. This decision ruined the whole mojo that was working & even funneled down to Wagner & the blown save. I am disgusted.
Yakuzafro
July 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
Nate must go. We got rid of Escobar and his laziness. NOW time for another move.
Should we call him “First-Pitch-Swingin’n Nate”, “Automatic-Out Nate”, or “I-Can’t-throw-a-ball-Nate”
If we are to have any chance in the post season..We have to get another bat in the line-up!!
Gumby
July 22nd, 2010
9:42 am
It’s baseball. It’s marathon. Games, even ones we should win, are going to be lost. Relax and enjoy the ride. It’s not football so you can’t win all 162 gamesl. Nobody does. Loved the Bart Giamatti quote. PadFan.
Blackberry Cobbler
July 22nd, 2010
9:43 am
Yes, it was just one game………………
But all games count, especially when your in the race.
The Braves desperately need another bat in the lineup and more pitching. Hanson and Lowe look worn out to me.
For heaven sakes, please get McLouth out of there. He is totally useless.
alpharettadawg
July 22nd, 2010
9:45 am
Bradley, did you get a picture of Brooklyn Decker at the game last night? Why do I get the feeling Schultz would be the only one to pull that off, and he’s in stinkin’ Alabama!
Dirty Dawg
July 22nd, 2010
9:45 am
Donin Ga’s right, the missed pop-up and McCann’s failure to block the plate – fact is unless he’s up against somebody the size of Eckstein, he never attempts it at all – did us in. At the same time, and it would appear that I’m not alone in this, that the ‘teachable moment’ from this game is to prove to Bobby that young Mr. McClouth is not the better choice. Figure out some way to ‘move’ him and ‘move on’.
St. Clarkston
July 22nd, 2010
9:50 am
Phillies lose, Mets lose. At worst it’s a wash.
Kelly Johnson
July 22nd, 2010
9:54 am
I wonder if Glaus messing up that foul pop in the ninth inning will haunt this team the way my similar screw up did?
gadawgs
July 22nd, 2010
10:06 am
I hate losing a game that was ours to be had but it is only one game. We will bounce back this afternoon. What I can’t understand is this continued love affair Bobby has with McClouth. He needs to sit or be sent packing. His swing was a little more level and he did hit a rope that Gonzalez made a good play on. But with that being said we have a large enough sample to know he is not going to get it done at the plate or in CF. I cannot for the life of me understand why a major leage outfielder allows a runner to advance from second to third on a fly ball that was not that deep. If he cannot make that throw or cannot throw to the cutoff man why is he out there. My high school coach would have sat my butt down if I made bonehead plays like that. And this is NOT the first time he has done it. I know we are paying him alot of money but we have to pay him if he plays or not why bring the team down in the process. I would much rather have Blanco.
Will
July 22nd, 2010
10:32 am
Mark:
I am so sorry for the delay in this post but my source in New York had sent conflicting comments relating to Jeff Francoeur and his status as a Met.
If you recall, I posted just less than a month ago that the Mets were moving toward either releasing or possibly trading Jeff but then Jeff perked up with a pretty good hot streak and the Mets backed away. As usual with Jeff, the bat cooled off and the attitude remained the same.
According to my well placed source, the Mets are ready to pull the string. Part of Jeff’s continuing problems continues to be his inability to let go of his intense jealousness of Brain McCann. Jeff cannot get over that, through high school and his first year in the bigs, he was the superstar and Brian was just a hard working, pretty good baseball player. Brian’s selection and success in the All-Star game and the national attention that Brian’s MVP produced only served to fuel the fire.
Oh, I know, Jeff says all the right things publically about Brian but, just like in Atlanta, he will not listen to anyone nor is he willing to put in the hard work, including the intellectual work, it takes to be a very good MLB player. Sadly, Jeff still appears to believe that being a truly gifted athlete should be enough to be a truly gifted MLB player.
blazer
July 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
can any other pitcher pitch the 9th inning anyway??
yeah c'mon
July 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
Coach (2001 or Bus), Last night was a save situation so Cox went with his closer (Closer not Saver). I’m not sure Medlen needed to pitch again considering he supposed to pitch Saturday. Overuse maybe but I would hardly consider it misuse.
Oh and those “15-16 appearances that were unnecessary” were to keep him fresh. Save situation or not, Closers are there to close out games.
Lets have alittle faith that this team can keep it going.
Chris
July 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
MB – I have to agree with the October comment. Atlanta may win the division playing .500 ball the way the Mets and Phils are playing. The Padres have been able to get away with their lineup in part because Petco Park in SD is NOT a hitters park. It’s a tremendous park for everyone (including the fans) except the hitters.
I think both teams are having charmed seasons for different reasons and what you will see this afternoon may be back in Ocotber as the NLCS.
frank james
July 22nd, 2010
10:45 am
Padres bullpen in pretty darn tough. They throw strikes and locate well.
Kashi
July 22nd, 2010
10:46 am
Nate knows runner is going to tag second base. Why the heck he does not throw ball in? Waiting to see what he does? C’mon…. he might slide off the bag or something. Throw the dam ball to cut off man Nate.
Freddie : G
July 22nd, 2010
10:46 am
The Lunatic fringe is well represented here just because of one blown save. It is now fashionable to rip on McLouth, who is having a bad season and who yu’all were excited about last season when he got here.
This is one game and it must happen a few times over a season of 162 games, it happens to the great Yankee Riveira. It proves nothing were the Braves to lose this series. Go Braves….
dobearsbare
July 22nd, 2010
10:49 am
I was watching the game trying to look forward to how a postseason series between the two teams might go when Joe Simpson (with an assist from Hal Galeema) let out that the Padres had outscored their opponents by an absurd margin from the 7th inning on. Chilling, if you’re a Braves fan.
Ben Hill, Been Real
July 22nd, 2010
10:51 am
flashback to last season with kelly. you know bobby sticks by his hitters until something drastic happens..by the way you think scafer ready?
Kashi
July 22nd, 2010
10:52 am
Key mistakes last night, Glaus fail fly catch, Not blocking the plate & Brian walking up to catch the ball, Nate not throwing to cut off man lost the game. . Is this how we plan to win World Series?
Billy
July 22nd, 2010
10:52 am
The Braves are in first place. Why all the hate when we lose one game. Don’t you believe Bobby and Frank can see the same things in a game the fans do? Wren will do what he has to…believe it.