The San Francisco Giants (19-15) made the series sweep perfect with a 4:3 away win over the Atlanta Braves (19-14). Rookie pitcher Andrew Suarez again performed brilliantly, while his opponent was disappointed. Nevertheless, it became really exciting in the end.
The Braves took the lead in the first inning due to an error by Second Baseman Alen Hanson. But he should rehabilitate himself later. But first it was Nick Hundley and Pablo Sandoval who turned the game against Mike Soroka in the third inning with RBI singles. In the fourth inning the Giants increased by RBI of Gregor Blanco and Andrew McCutchen to 4:1.
On the mound Suarez once again showed his strength in forcing ground balls and forced three double plays. He also took the nerve out of his opponents with six strikeouts. The bullpens of both teams hardly allowed anything more, before Giants-Closer Rod Strickland entered the mound and made the story exciting again. After allowing two runs, however, he forced Ozzie Albies into a popup for the third out in the ninth inning.
Of course, two pitchers only compete indirectly against each other. But without Designated Hitter in the National League there was of course also the direct duel. And that clearly went to Suarez. He doesn’t make a hit, but a Sacrifice Bunt in the fourth inning, with which he puts two runners into scoring position – Hanson and Jackson then score both runs. On the mound Suarez is better than Soroka (4 IP, 7 H, 4 ER) anyway.
At 2-1 for the Giants in the fourth inning, Gregory Blanco beat First Baseman Freddie Freeman for San Francisco with runners on the corners. He tries to get out at the Home Plate, but Hanson dives under the tag attempt of Catcher Tyler Flowers and is safe. Afterwards another run for the guests for 4:1.
The left-handed player only makes his third Major League start, but never lets himself be disturbed. He delivers seven hits, but even with the help of his six strikeouts and three double plays the Braves can hardly see any land and make little of their numerous base runners. The run in the first inning is unearned because it results from an error by Hanson.
In his only second start in the Big Leagues, Soroka is struggling. He also allows seven hits, but can’t do anything against the effectiveness of the Giants. He only manages three strikeouts, which means that the Giants bring a lot of balls into the game, which then find holes accordingly. In a game with few runs, what the rookie has shown is not enough.
This article was published without previous view by the Major League Baseball.