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NLDS: Astros-Braves
game 3 recap, game 4 preview
by Daniel Paulling
October 10, 2004
Doesn’t that Sportscenter theme
send tingles down your spine? I’m currently watching the 10:30
version while writing this as quickly as I can. Well, Brandon Backe
was the starter in this feel good story. He is a Galveston, Texas,
native who grew up watching Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio play and
then he was playing with them in the postseason. Even as a Braves
fan, I must tip my hat to him.
What Went Right
Nothing much went right for the Braves. The only real highpoint
for this game for the Bravos is Andruw Jones’ performance at
the plate. He had a three run homer in the 8th inning
that put the Braves in a position to win the game. They also got
solid relief outings from Juan Cruz. The positives in this game
from the Astros perspective are that Carlos Beltran continued to
perform at his same high level of talent by going 2-5 with two RBIs
and the pitching performance of Brandon Backe. The fact that Brad
Lidge pitched – and quite well at that – in this game
is good.
What Went Wrong
John Thomson left in the first inning with a strained oblique
forcing Paul Byrd into the game and a bad spot. Putting Birdie in
the game yesterday also forced Russ Ortiz into a start tomorrow.
The Braves bullpen pitched not very well at all. For the Astros
they couldn’t much anything from their first two hitters, which
is very important.
Preview of Game Four
The Astros have won a consecutive 19 games at home, but they
haven’t won consecutive games in the postseason since 1981.
Which streak will end? The Braves will send Russ Ortiz to the mound
on ten days rest, while the Astros will bring back Roger Clemens
on three days rest. This is definitely the best move for both teams,
as Ortiz is better than going back to their Game 1 starter and Phil
Garner feels better taking his ace on three days rest rather than
whatever the backend of their rotation can muster up.
Quotes
"Nobody in this clubhouse thinks this thing is over,"
Braves 3B Chipper Jones said. "Certainly they want to come
out and take care of business. There's only one team that wants
this to go back to Atlanta, and that's us."
"Our 2, 3 and 4 hitters need to step up," Braves 2B Marcus
Giles said. "You ask them, they'll say it. It's no secret.
I'm not bashing them. If I'm bashing them, I'm bashing myself."
Feel free to leave comments in the forums or
e-mail Daniel at daniel@athomeplate.com.
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