After sweeping the Twins, things were looking good for the Braves in Philly on Thursday, but they ended up suffering a tough 5-4 loss.
The Braves took an early 4-0 lead, powered by two massive home runs from Matt Olson. They managed to hold on despite Charlie Morton walking four batters over 5.2 innings. However, with Morton surpassing 100 pitches and giving up two singles in the sixth inning, Brian Snitker faced a crucial decision.
Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto singled, with Bryson Stott striking out in between. Striking out Stott might have given false confidence in Morton’s ability to handle Brandon Marsh, who then connected on a 1-0 curveball, sending it 382 feet into left field and narrowing the lead to 4-3.
Who is responsible?
Aaron Bummer was warming up in the bullpen, and I suspect Snitker was holding off for the lineup to cycle back to Kyle Schwarber. But here’s the issue: Marsh is hitting just .200 against left-handers and hasn’t homered off one all season. The gamble didn’t work out.
Extension Candidate Brian Snitker
In my opinion, that wasn’t even the worst part. The real problem was the pitch selection to Nick Castellanos in the following inning. After walking Trea Turner, Grant Holmes managed to retire Bryce Harper and Edmundo Sosa. Everyone knows Castellanos struggles with breaking balls—just look back at the last series where Schwelly made him look bad against them. But here, with a one-run lead, TdA called for back-to-back fastballs, the second of which was left over the plate. Castellanos crushed it, hitting it 107.4 mph and sending it 417 feet to center field, giving the Phillies the win.
Twitter exploded with blame on Snitker for this loss, and I get it. He took a chance with Morton, but the real mistake, in my opinion, was the pitch selection to Castellanos. Yes, hitters often struggle with Holmes’ fastball, but you shouldn’t throw the same pitch twice in a row to that guy.
Thankfully, the Braves will hand the ball to Reynaldo Lopez in Game 2 tonight at 6:40 Eastern/5:40 Central. Nemesis Ranger Suarez will be pitching for the Phillies. It should be a great pitcher’s duel. Consider this your Game 2 thread, Braves Journalers!
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