HOFBL Season 2: Braves @ Rockies (6/3) Dave Justice hits league leading 19th homerun, pitching solid
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00:00:00You see right hello baseball
00:00:11fans and welcome the start of
00:00:13the weekend is upon us it's
00:00:14Friday evening baseball on the
00:00:16show the Atlanta Braves going up
00:00:18against the Colorado Rockies
00:00:21first pitch coming at you right
00:00:22after the break.
00:00:31Just about ready to roll here
00:00:33and towing the slab for
00:00:34Colorado in this one of poor
00:00:35hey De La Rosa but Chris he
00:00:38hasn't exactly been stellar here
00:00:39on his own mouth.
00:00:41Well I'll say this every player
00:00:43wants to perform well at their
00:00:44home ballpark in front of their
00:00:46fans in front of the city and
00:00:48you know this guy no different
00:00:50he wants to be more of a cow.
00:00:51There's no doubt that the
00:00:52success rate goes up and that's
00:00:54what he's been doing.
00:00:55He's been doing it for a long
00:00:56time.
00:00:57He's been doing it for a long
00:00:58time.
00:00:58He's been doing it for a long
00:00:59It's made a big impact for him
00:01:00in recent games.
00:01:03Here comes a pinch.
00:01:21Good plate appearance they're
00:01:23able to take the walk.
00:01:25Now this is a story we were
00:01:26paying attention to before the
00:01:27game.
00:01:28We've seen him give up walks in
00:01:29the past and it's an issue once
00:01:31again early on.
00:01:33Here's the veteran first
00:01:34baseman Freddy Freeman.
00:01:36What a season it's been for him.
00:01:38He has supplied a lot of power
00:01:39and that average first pitch
00:01:41doesn't find the zone.
00:01:59Late on that fastball good speed
00:02:01on the base pass he handles the
00:02:03bat very well.
00:02:05I wouldn't be surprised if the
00:02:07skipper puts on some type of
00:02:08hit and run or run and hit.
00:02:11Now move to first Duffy dives
00:02:14back in safely.
00:02:25It's a 1 1.
00:02:27He doesn't get a knock right
00:02:28here.
00:02:29That pitch he just took is going
00:02:30to eat at him for a while.
00:02:32You might not see another pitch
00:02:33like that from a top level guy
00:02:34like this.
00:02:43Down on strikes and he knew it.
00:02:46No that's not the best to strike
00:02:47fastball I've seen but certainly
00:02:49got away with the location
00:02:50there.
00:02:51He's got a lot of power and he's
00:02:53got a lot of speed and he's got
00:02:54a lot of speed and he's got a
00:02:55lot of speed and he's got a lot
00:02:56of speed and he's got a lot of
00:02:57speed and he's got a lot of
00:02:57speed.
00:02:58I'm not going to get away with
00:02:59the location there.
00:03:00You know sometimes he's a hitter
00:03:02when you're down in the count
00:03:03you're so focused on a pitcher
00:03:05paint in the black and you just
00:03:07get a little bit locked up on
00:03:09something down the heart of the
00:03:10plate not expecting it and it
00:03:12just kind of freezes you.
00:03:13Here's some real power at the
00:03:15plate.
00:03:16Hank Aaron.
00:03:22That one's in their own one.
00:03:24He's been a hitter for all time.
00:03:27Seven hundred fifty five career
00:03:28homers a record that stood for a
00:03:30long time.
00:03:37The pitch.
00:03:39All one there almost goes without
00:03:41saying that Mr. Aaron set the
00:03:43standard for power hitters in
00:03:44the sport for years.
00:03:45I mean just an incredible 23
00:03:47year career.
00:03:48He's a hitter for all time.
00:03:56At the Belton fires.
00:03:59There's a strike.
00:04:00Ninety five of that one and it's
00:04:02not all about the home runs.
00:04:03It's RBI total basis.
00:04:06Hank did everything you'd want
00:04:07in the middle of the order guy.
00:04:11And now it's one and two.
00:04:14That's towards center.
00:04:16Blackman glides back.
00:04:18And it's one and two.
00:04:27Here's Brian Snickers line up
00:04:28for the Braves.
00:04:30And this is a dangerous group
00:04:32Chris top to bottom loaded with
00:04:33guys who can barrel up the
00:04:35baseball a lot of high exit
00:04:37velocities and that all results
00:04:39in a club that's leading league
00:04:40and slugging percentage right
00:04:41now.
00:04:42And that means the pitchers got
00:04:44to be ready from the very first
00:04:45pitch of each and every at bat
00:04:47and they've got the swing speed
00:04:49the velocity through the zone
00:04:51however you want to measure it
00:04:52to hit the ball hard and hit it
00:04:54a long way.
00:04:55There's no question this is a
00:04:56lineup that is built to win in
00:04:58today's modern game of baseball.
00:05:00David Justice takes a ball here
00:05:02as he stands in now.
00:05:16Two outs.
00:05:17So two balls and no strikes.
00:05:19One more interesting thing about
00:05:21the hammer.
00:05:22If you subtracted all of his
00:05:23seven hundred fifty five homers
00:05:25he'd still have three thousand
00:05:27hits.
00:05:31To a.
00:05:33Smash to the left side and
00:05:35that's just foul.
00:05:48The count two and a one.
00:05:50This ball is hammered deep
00:05:52center field way back there on
00:05:55its way out of here.
00:06:00He'll touch them all.
00:06:01His 19th home run of the year.
00:06:03It's to nothing.
00:06:18Another look at one of the most
00:06:20impressive home runs you'll ever
00:06:22see as Statscast gives us the
00:06:24full picture.
00:06:25Yeah projected more than four
00:06:27hundred and eighty feet on its
00:06:29way over the fence and I don't
00:06:31think we could watch this replay
00:06:32enough.
00:06:33I mean just incredible.
00:06:34That was a swing that we're not
00:06:36going to soon forget.
00:06:37Base is empty with two away.
00:06:39Now at the plate.
00:06:40Chipper Jones.
00:06:42A switch hitter batting right.
00:06:44And he's going to get it.
00:06:45Chipper Jones a switch hitter
00:06:47batting right first offering and
00:06:49it just misses.
00:06:50Well they're really running up
00:06:52the pitch count in this first
00:06:53inning.
00:06:53Lots of confidence from this
00:06:54team that is perhaps the hottest
00:06:56in baseball right now.
00:07:05The next offering misses and the
00:07:06count is 2 and 0.
00:07:15Fought off foul.
00:07:39But why to kick the pitch.
00:07:42Rolled soft.
00:07:43Rolled softly but that goes
00:07:45foul.
00:07:57And now it's filled up.
00:07:58Lots of pitches thrown in this
00:08:00first inning and it's kind of
00:08:01that nightmare scenario for
00:08:03starting pitching.
00:08:04But you know what.
00:08:04It's still early enough.
00:08:06He can settle in he can get some
00:08:07length if he just cleans up his
00:08:09mechanics a little bit.
00:08:13Three and two now.
00:08:16Fouled off again.
00:08:18And it remains 3 and 2.
00:08:24Good battle here about to be the
00:08:26eighth pitch of the at bat.
00:08:30Downstairs and it misses ball
00:08:32for.
00:08:33Well that's a nice job of
00:08:34grinding out that at bat saw a
00:08:36lot of pitches and ends up draw
00:08:37on the walk.
00:08:38Very gritty catcher number two
00:08:40in the game.
00:08:40Joe Torrey next up for the
00:08:42Braves the contact guy good
00:08:44defender.
00:08:48First pitch and that's in for a
00:08:49strike.
00:09:05And he takes a strike.
00:09:07And at bat like this it's a
00:09:09And at bat like this is almost
00:09:11over as it begins in this
00:09:13situation.
00:09:14You have no idea what the next
00:09:16pitch is going to be.
00:09:17You just got to hope that you
00:09:17can make contact.
00:09:24Next one misses and it's wanted
00:09:26to.
00:09:34And the pitch.
00:09:37Rolled over to third.
00:09:38Oh can't pick it up cleanly.
00:09:40But in time.
00:09:41Nice job to stay with it to end
00:09:43the inning.
00:09:44Braves pick up two on the long
00:09:46ball.
00:09:47It's now a two nothing ball
00:09:49game.
00:10:00Bottom of the first.
00:10:01Our starting pitcher in this one
00:10:03Phil Negro singing he is one of
00:10:05the best to ever do.
00:10:07True legend in this game with
00:10:08over 300 career wins.
00:10:10Always a joy to watch him go to
00:10:12work.
00:10:12It's effortless out there
00:10:14doesn't wear his emotions on his
00:10:15sleeve doesn't know when he's
00:10:17high or when he's low.
00:10:18Bottom of the first.
00:10:19Here's Charlie Blackman.
00:10:23Well after putting up a nice
00:10:24inning on offense got some runs
00:10:26across.
00:10:26This is where you look for the
00:10:27starter to go out there have a
00:10:29shutdown inning.
00:10:30Don't give that other team any
00:10:32hope.
00:10:33You just hope that you can get
00:10:33through this inning get the
00:10:34bats back up there while they're
00:10:35hot.
00:10:36And out number one on the grab
00:10:38that exact time to check out the
00:10:40Rockies lineup.
00:10:41One guy swinging a hot bat
00:10:43recently.
00:10:43Nolan Arenado.
00:10:45Well he seemed to be really
00:10:47taking advantage of his
00:10:48opportunities more than 100 RBI
00:10:50so far in the season.
00:10:51You know what that tells me.
00:10:53Tells me he's got a really good
00:10:54approach to play.
00:10:55He's staying within himself and
00:10:56he's letting the game come to
00:10:58him.
00:10:58He's got the skills to sort of
00:11:00take over a ball game at times
00:11:01and when you've got that kind of
00:11:03guy at the plate it puts fear in
00:11:04the opposing pitcher.
00:11:06Now it's LeMahieu up to hit
00:11:08hitting better against right
00:11:09handers this year.
00:11:10So some reverse splits there.
00:11:22This one popped up foul ground
00:11:24first base side.
00:11:27Freeman makes the catch two
00:11:28down batting third the first
00:11:33baseman.
00:11:36Next to hit for the Rockies.
00:11:38Todd help.
00:11:39Obviously a guy who makes good
00:11:41contact hits for average.
00:11:43But one of the things in today's
00:11:44game the value in the fact that
00:11:46he hits both righties and
00:11:47lefties.
00:11:51And that's in there for strike
00:11:52one.
00:11:53They're so reliant on the
00:11:54matchups nowadays Chris.
00:11:56And it's huge when you don't
00:11:57have to sit a guy or platoon
00:11:58him when you can hit both sides
00:12:00in terms of pitchers arms.
00:12:02You're a guy that it's hard to
00:12:03take out of the lineup and I
00:12:04think it's very well.
00:12:06He's under it to make the catch
00:12:07in center and we'll take a
00:12:09break.
00:12:10Rockies are down quietly and
00:12:12they're down to nothing.
00:12:23Back here at Coors Field second
00:12:25inning set to go.
00:12:26Now in for the Braves Andrew
00:12:28Jones Andrew Joe the pitch in
00:12:37the year to left center
00:12:39Blackman moving under this one
00:12:42Paul's it in and there's one
00:12:44away batting in the second
00:12:49baseman Bobby Lowe Bobby Lowe
00:12:56Lowe having a really nice first
00:12:59season in the big leagues
00:13:00definitely a rookie of the year
00:13:01candidate first pitch just
00:13:17misses he needs a quick one two
00:13:19three this time around last
00:13:21inning threw a lot of pitches
00:13:25and he's got a lot of hits the
00:13:34lefty the 1 0 late swing fouled
00:13:39all and he lays down a bun boots
00:13:55without a throw and they don't
00:13:57get an out on the play.
00:13:59This was the perfect spot to
00:14:01drop the ball for a hit.
00:14:02I mean he used his bat as a tool
00:14:04up there to direct the ball
00:14:05exactly where he wanted it to go
00:14:07and look smooth doing it at the
00:14:09same time.
00:14:10Really well done and the defense
00:14:12right there stood no chance and
00:14:19the batter will be the shortstop
00:14:20Herman long De La Rosa checks
00:14:25the runner and he's back safely
00:14:41first off ring misses the mark
00:14:56and the pitch and there he goes
00:14:59pitch in for a strike the throw
00:15:01tag and he's out that goes to
00:15:03show you stealing a base is a
00:15:05tough thing to do and far from a
00:15:06sure thing even with big time
00:15:08speed it's not easy to catch him
00:15:10but that was a great catch and
00:15:11throw with not rush inaccurate
00:15:25pitch the wind in the pitch and
00:15:41a ball evens account singing he
00:15:43wasn't real sharp in the first
00:15:45got hit around but really more
00:15:47so didn't throw a ton of
00:15:48strikes well he's just got to
00:15:50find a way to settle down he was
00:15:51clearly fighting himself out
00:15:53there not really finding the
00:15:54right way to get on track and
00:15:55fill up the zone a little bit
00:15:56more and a swing and a miss and
00:16:00that's that and welcome back
00:16:16bottom of the second here's the
00:16:17Rockies cleanup hitter Larry
00:16:19Walker singing you got to
00:16:21appreciate a guy who's this good
00:16:23and he's got a great lead I mean
00:16:25watching him track balls in the
00:16:26outfield it is beautiful he
00:16:31swings and misses at the first
00:16:33pitch 0 and 1 and I would say
00:16:35that most great defensive
00:16:37outfielders it's kind of natural
00:16:40there is some work that you can
00:16:41do to it to improve your game but
00:16:44ultimately you either have it or
00:16:46you don't and the righty deals
00:16:58and it's found a way left hand
00:17:09batter weights and that's
00:17:12that's one out the bottom of the
00:17:13second hard hit to third fires
00:17:26across the diamond that's one
00:17:28out the bottom of the second
00:17:31batting the designated hitter
00:17:37Vinny Castillo digging in for
00:17:39the first time in their in its
00:17:48own one looks like he's just
00:17:50sizing him up there really good
00:17:51pitch to hit but he took it all
00:17:53the way sometimes guys just want
00:17:55to set their timing later on in
00:17:57the game that may be a pitch
00:17:58that he turns on next one is off
00:18:01the play and that's ball one
00:18:03Eric Summers Gill with home plate
00:18:05duty of this one kind of known
00:18:07for being generous with the
00:18:08pitchers I think that used to be
00:18:10a lot bigger deal in past eras
00:18:11where pitchers were working more
00:18:13in and out with their pitches
00:18:15but yeah we'll see if those
00:18:16corners come into play in this
00:18:17one.
00:18:17Hey no pitchers going to argue
00:18:18at all and a pinch and down on
00:18:29strikes he goes and they're two
00:18:32down now big power guy right
00:18:34there and generating so much bat
00:18:36it's hard to bring that to a
00:18:38halt once you've committed a try
00:18:40to check the swing just couldn't
00:18:41do it.
00:18:42So with the purpose there is a
00:18:44reason and then if I retreat
00:18:46that I'm two out space is empty.
00:18:48So in now for Colorado Nolan
00:18:50Arenado that one's in their own
00:18:55and he grounds one back up the
00:19:16middle.
00:19:16That's a hit.
00:19:18So a two out not keeps the
00:19:19inning alive.
00:19:21Couldn't get any air under it
00:19:23but he smoked that ball back up
00:19:25and there's no chance for the
00:19:26infielders with how hard he hit
00:19:27it and you can feel this crowd
00:19:29waking up a bit here as the guys
00:19:31are starting to make some noise
00:19:32with their bats.
00:19:33And now Carlos Gonzalez in there
00:19:37for strike one.
00:19:39This lineup is going to have to
00:19:40find a way to make him work a
00:19:41little harder out there on the
00:19:43mound.
00:19:43I mean he is just mowing him
00:19:45down.
00:19:45He's settling in.
00:19:46You've got to make him
00:19:47uncomfortable.
00:19:47Maybe step out of the box call
00:19:49time out do whatever it takes.
00:19:53And he's down 0 2 as he swings
00:19:55more and more guys are looking
00:19:56to slog regardless of the count.
00:19:58And this situation will keep a
00:20:00close eye on his approach.
00:20:04Riding to the plate swings
00:20:07through that one it's a strike
00:20:08out that ends the inning.
00:20:10So one left for Colorado.
00:20:12They trailed it here to nothing.
00:20:22Onto the third inning.
00:20:23So now to the plate for Atlanta.
00:20:25Hugh Duffy the left fielder.
00:20:28You got the pitch.
00:20:33It's good speed at the top of
00:20:34the order here you want to get
00:20:35it on see if you can get a
00:20:37stolen base maybe get around the
00:20:38bases and pick up a run.
00:20:40He's got to get it on the plate
00:20:42and he's got to get it on the
00:20:43plate.
00:20:56Next offering misses one ball
00:20:58one strike.
00:21:06Good eye right there.
00:21:11Here comes.
00:21:13In the air left field.
00:21:15Gonzalez should have this one
00:21:18puts it away for the out.
00:21:24Now batting the first base.
00:21:26Freddie.
00:21:29Freddie Freeman up to the dish.
00:21:41And that's in there for strike
00:21:43one.
00:21:44Cold night tonight Boog and
00:21:45that's a pretty firm fastball
00:21:47right there.
00:21:47Tell you what memories of
00:21:49getting jammed they are creeping
00:21:50into my mind right now.
00:21:53Down the left field line base
00:21:55hit.
00:22:02I'll tell you man it's such a
00:22:03good feeling when you smoke a
00:22:05line drive into the gap like
00:22:07that I mean sure home runs are
00:22:08king but I feel like nothing
00:22:10nothing makes you feel like a
00:22:11true professional hitter more
00:22:13than a bolt the other way.
00:22:18Now Hank Aaron.
00:22:20They say when one of the amazing
00:22:22things about Hank Aaron is the
00:22:23consistency he had over the
00:22:25course of his career.
00:22:37Kicks and deals.
00:22:40Slapped foul.
00:22:54And he deals.
00:22:56Swings through that and it's a
00:22:58strikeout and now to God.
00:23:00Well that's the effect of the
00:23:01splitter that you're looking for
00:23:03on the mound.
00:23:03Really nice pitch right there
00:23:05and had him out in front over
00:23:06the top.
00:23:07I'm sure the batter was thinking
00:23:08he was getting something else
00:23:09maybe perhaps a fastball a
00:23:11little more straight and below
00:23:12to it.
00:23:15And here is David Justice.
00:23:17He's one for one with a two run
00:23:19homer his first time up.
00:23:25That's hard hit on the line.
00:23:27Walker makes the catch and
00:23:29that'll do it.
00:23:30One left for Atlanta but they
00:23:32hold the two nothing lead.
00:23:40Back here in Denver.
00:23:41Now here is number two leading
00:23:43up for the Rockies.
00:23:46Not shortstop.
00:23:47Number two the right hander back
00:23:48to work.
00:24:01Had a foul ball.
00:24:10And a foul ball.
00:24:10He stays alive.
00:24:22Ripped towards third.
00:24:24That one sizzling on its way
00:24:25through to the outfield.
00:24:27Man a board on the lead off
00:24:28single.
00:24:34And a foul ball.
00:24:35He stays alive.
00:24:39And a foul ball.
00:24:45Here's the rookie catcher.
00:24:46Number 20.
00:25:09And a foul ball.
00:25:23The pitch.
00:25:25And that one handled the throw
00:25:27to first one gone bottom of the
00:25:30third inning.
00:25:34Now batting center fielder.
00:25:37Charlie.
00:25:38And a foul ball.
00:25:43So the lineup flips over.
00:25:45Here's a speed threat.
00:25:47Charlie Blackman.
00:25:48For one so far.
00:25:56First pitch and that's in for a
00:25:57strike.
00:25:57And a foul ball.
00:26:07It weekly on the ground towards
00:26:09second.
00:26:10Tosses to first.
00:26:11Got him.
00:26:12Up next McCullough Robinson.
00:26:14The second baseman.
00:26:16E.J.
00:26:18Love.
00:26:18Mayhew.
00:26:23Up to the plate steps DJ
00:26:25LeMayhew 0 for 1 as he popped
00:26:28out foul to first.
00:26:31One thing about LeMayhew.
00:26:33He provides a surprising amount
00:26:35of pop from the second base
00:26:36position.
00:26:36Listen that's not something to
00:26:37take lightly.
00:26:38Getting that kind of production
00:26:39is a big deal.
00:26:40It's not a strength of most
00:26:41lineups.
00:26:46And the right hander deals.
00:26:48Swing and a miss.
00:26:49Strike one.
00:26:50And what does that do for a team
00:26:52when you get power from
00:26:53unexpected spots like that.
00:26:55When you're in the dugout and
00:26:56you see a guy come up big like
00:26:58that that you don't necessarily
00:26:59expect it.
00:27:00It just energizes that entire
00:27:01team.
00:27:02And a 1 2.
00:27:05And that chance handled.
00:27:08Inning over.
00:27:13The Rockies strand one.
00:27:14They're still down.
00:27:15It's Tuesday.
00:27:32Back here at the ballpark and
00:27:34now it's switch hitting third
00:27:35baseman Chipper Jones the third
00:27:38baseman.
00:27:39Chipper.
00:27:42De La Rosa back to work.
00:27:46And ball one.
00:27:53And a 1 0.
00:27:57Sliced hard but fouled.
00:27:59And a 1 0.
00:28:02And a foul.
00:28:11The wind of the pitch.
00:28:16Two and one the count now he
00:28:18hasn't seen a fastball yet but
00:28:20you've got to be ready to hit
00:28:21one because you doubt the
00:28:22pitcher wants this to go to a
00:28:243 1 count.
00:28:29And here it comes.
00:28:32Swing and that one hammered down
00:28:34the line if it's fair it's gone
00:28:36and that is out of here.
00:28:42A solo shot and they add to
00:28:44their lead.
00:28:45It's 3 nothing.
00:29:00Knew what pitch he wanted to hit
00:29:01spent on some other pitches in
00:29:03this at bat was very patient and
00:29:05it paid off.
00:29:16And next for Atlanta Joe Torrey.
00:29:20The catcher number nine.
00:29:22Joe.
00:29:24Turned on but foul wide of
00:29:26third.
00:29:28But he's got to delete it.
00:29:29You give up that lead off home
00:29:30run go back to work focus on
00:29:32this next batter.
00:29:41And the 0 1.
00:29:45Line drive.
00:29:46Pause it in.
00:29:47And there's one away.
00:29:50The center field.
00:29:51Number 25.
00:29:52Andrew.
00:29:54Joe.
00:29:56Now in for the Braves.
00:29:57Andrew Jones.
00:30:00I think when you contemplate him
00:30:01as a player the first thing you
00:30:02think about is defense you think
00:30:04about that great arm.
00:30:05I also think about the speed if
00:30:07he can get on that's going to
00:30:08give one more thing for that
00:30:09pitcher to think about.
00:30:11Next pitch downstairs.
00:30:13And it's 1 0.
00:30:20And the 1 0 misses low.
00:30:22After giving up that home run
00:30:23earlier it just doesn't seem
00:30:24like he wants to challenge him.
00:30:30The wind to kick the 2 0.
00:30:33Out front rip foul.
00:30:44The 2 1.
00:31:00It's softly on the ground a
00:31:01third.
00:31:03Renato the first in time.
00:31:05He's out.
00:31:09Now batting.
00:31:11The second baseman.
00:31:12Bobby.
00:31:14Low.
00:31:16Bobby Lowe.
00:31:17Next up for the Braves.
00:31:19Entering this one second in the
00:31:21National League in hitting.
00:31:26And.
00:31:27He's out.
00:31:29And.
00:31:30He's out.
00:31:39Fouled off left side.
00:31:52Foul ball.
00:31:590 2.
00:32:02Swing and a miss and he got him.
00:32:04And that's the third out.
00:32:07Braves get one on the big fly.
00:32:09It's now three nothing.
00:32:19Bottom four.
00:32:20So in now for Colorado Todd
00:32:22Helton.
00:32:23The Rockies in striking distance
00:32:26but have some work to do.
00:32:27Boog it starts with the laid off
00:32:28and need a good at bat out of
00:32:29him right here.
00:32:32Strike on the inside corner.
00:32:37Right he delivers.
00:32:40And fouled off.
00:32:49And the pitch.
00:32:53That's down and in.
00:32:540 2 curve right there.
00:32:55Hitter kind of expects that a
00:32:57good job of just showing that
00:32:58confidence and trying to get
00:33:00back into this count.
00:33:05The wind to the pitch.
00:33:09And one fouled off.
00:33:18Left hand hitter waits.
00:33:22Stays alive.
00:33:27And.
00:33:28He's going to get it back.
00:33:34The pitch.
00:33:38Just misses the mark outside the
00:33:40zone.
00:33:41Really good take especially with
00:33:42two strikes.
00:33:47Swing and a high fly ball out
00:33:49there towards left field.
00:33:52Duffy makes the play one up one
00:33:54down.
00:33:57Right.
00:34:01Next for Colorado Larry Walker.
00:34:04He's a guy Chris's highlights
00:34:06include some of the best throws
00:34:07from the outfield that you will
00:34:09ever see.
00:34:10Definitely one of the best arms
00:34:12of the sport.
00:34:16That one's in their own one.
00:34:18Yeah the infielders in the
00:34:19catcher can never give up on a
00:34:20play because if this guy thinks
00:34:22he has a chance he's going to
00:34:23throw it from the warning track
00:34:24if he has to.
00:34:26And that one sliced foul.
00:34:35The pitch.
00:34:38To the right side.
00:34:40It's in and out of his glove.
00:34:42He decides to hold on to it and
00:34:44the defense comes away with
00:34:46nothing.
00:34:48Man at first with one gone.
00:34:50Vinny Castillo will hit next.
00:34:55In there and it's all in one.
00:35:12And the pitch.
00:35:15Well I think that pitch
00:35:16surprised all of us right down
00:35:18the middle doesn't get a swing.
00:35:20Very often you see a hitter lay
00:35:21off a cookie like that.
00:35:25And that's what he's doing.
00:35:28You too.
00:35:31That's the third.
00:35:33To second pulls him off the bag.
00:35:40Up next for Colorado.
00:35:42The third baseman.
00:35:44Nolan.
00:35:45All right.
00:35:46Here's Nolan Arenado.
00:35:48There is a reason.
00:35:48And if I retreat then I'm worth
00:35:50pulling the trees and man I want
00:35:52to be blameless.
00:35:52Strange and unashamed by this
00:35:54pitch.
00:35:55He's got a good pitch.
00:35:56He's got a good pitch.
00:35:56He's got a good pitch.
00:36:05First pitch and he just misses.
00:36:13And the righty deals.
00:36:17Could be some action here on
00:36:18this next pitch.
00:36:19Couple runners on probably a
00:36:20challenge pitch coming.
00:36:21And.
00:36:27The 2 0 is in for a strike.
00:36:35Tag run at the plate.
00:36:38And foul ball.
00:36:40Negro.
00:36:41One of the best strikeout
00:36:42pitchers in the game and that
00:36:44certainly is a benefit to him
00:36:46when he's in a spot like this.
00:36:49Runners at first and second with
00:36:51one gone.
00:36:57On the ground right side that
00:36:59one sizzling on its way through
00:37:01to the outfield and they stop
00:37:03him at third.
00:37:04So base is loaded with one away
00:37:07back to back singles.
00:37:08Not much to this one other than
00:37:09just a willingness to go the
00:37:11other way and put the ball in
00:37:12play.
00:37:13That's a team to bat right
00:37:14there.
00:37:14Nice job of staying back and
00:37:15letting the ball go deep.
00:37:19Next to him for the Rockies
00:37:21Carlos Gonzalez.
00:37:23This guy is one of the best
00:37:24athletes in the sport.
00:37:28And that's in there for strike
00:37:29one.
00:37:30Yeah.
00:37:31If you're going to be in the
00:37:32game in high leverage
00:37:33situations you've got to be able
00:37:35to get the swing and miss and
00:37:36put hitters away.
00:37:45Here comes a pitch.
00:37:48Now wanted to one.
00:37:51Here's a swing and a pop up in
00:38:01foul ground.
00:38:02Jones towards the line.
00:38:14Here's a 1 2.
00:38:17In the dirt.
00:38:18But no advance from the runners.
00:38:27At the belt and fires and a
00:38:30swing and a miss huge strikeout
00:38:33there.
00:38:34For me that knuckleball was just
00:38:36devastating.
00:38:36I mean you see it so well you
00:38:38think you're going to go out
00:38:39there and get four knocks and
00:38:41you just swing and miss.
00:38:42And I tell you what I tried my
00:38:44best to put Tim Wakefield in the
00:38:46Hall of Fame.
00:38:47So we'll see if he gets there.
00:38:48You know it's because of me.
00:38:57Number two.
00:38:58Digging in for the Rockies.
00:39:06Swings through that 1 0 and 1.
00:39:17The pitch.
00:39:20Just off the inside edge.
00:39:22That's where you want it's a
00:39:23good miss.
00:39:28Two outs.
00:39:29Bases are full.
00:39:36Next offering is in for a
00:39:38strike.
00:39:46Here's a 1 2.
00:39:56Hank glides to his left.
00:39:58Brings it in with a nice running
00:40:00grab.
00:40:01And that'll do it.
00:40:02Rockies leave him loaded.
00:40:03They trail it here 3 nothing.
00:40:14Welcome back.
00:40:15Long.
00:40:17He's got pop which is a little
00:40:19sneaky because he's so
00:40:21comfortable with taking his base
00:40:23hits to the opposite field but
00:40:24he can jump you if you make a
00:40:26mistake.
00:40:27And first offering is fouled off
00:40:29pretty impressive.
00:40:30We haven't seen that pitch from
00:40:31him much but he's got a really
00:40:32good feel when he throws it.
00:40:35And now the lefty.
00:40:38Gets the outside corner with
00:40:39that one.
00:40:46Swing and a miss struck him out
00:40:49and he's down on strikes for the
00:40:51second time today.
00:40:52So that pitch wasn't even close
00:40:54to being a strike and that just
00:40:55goes to show you how defensive
00:40:57hitters can be calm when they're
00:40:59up against an 0 2 count.
00:41:00You're just hoping for a mistake
00:41:01somewhere near the zone that you
00:41:03can get the bat to but right
00:41:04there he was clearly anxious.
00:41:06He was swinging when the ball
00:41:07left the hand.
00:41:09So now to the plate for Atlanta.
00:41:10Q Duffy.
00:41:13In the middle of the plate.
00:41:14Q Duffy.
00:41:15In the first pitch misses for
00:41:17ball one.
00:41:18Counts one and 0.
00:41:30Kicks and deals.
00:41:33That misses down to it 0.
00:41:36Just missed.
00:41:48One down base is empty.
00:41:52That's in for a strike.
00:42:06And a strike.
00:42:28The 3 2 is off the outside.
00:42:31And the.
00:42:313 2.
00:42:32Is off the outside.
00:42:33And the.
00:42:333 2.
00:42:34Is off the outside.
00:42:35The outside edge and that is
00:42:37ball for.
00:42:38Oh you know this guy wants to
00:42:39swing it but he's showing some
00:42:40good patience in this one.
00:42:42It's the second time he's taken
00:42:43ball for.
00:42:44Freddy.
00:42:45Here comes Freddy Freeman up to
00:42:46hit.
00:42:58In there for a strike one.
00:43:00Stirring in the Colorado
00:43:01bullpen.
00:43:02Kyle Freeland.
00:43:03The left hander up and throwing.
00:43:05Cook.
00:43:06The right hander also getting
00:43:07loose.
00:43:20The 0 1 is outside and it's a
00:43:22ball and a strike.
00:43:33Top of the zone and it's called
00:43:35a strike.
00:43:43Move to first.
00:43:44Back standing.
00:43:45He's in there safely.
00:43:59And another ball.
00:44:05And a strike.
00:44:22Swing and a miss.
00:44:24And he's down on strikes.
00:44:26That's the second out.
00:44:28That's about as nasty of a
00:44:29splitter as you'll come across
00:44:30especially in terms of movement.
00:44:32I mean that thing tumbles out of
00:44:33his hand and just drops off the
00:44:35plate.
00:44:35It's just so tough to put wood
00:44:37on.
00:44:45Man at first and next for
00:44:47Atlanta.
00:44:47Hank Aaron.
00:44:54Next offering is down low.
00:44:56Want to know.
00:45:05He's in the zone.
00:45:14And a pitch.
00:45:29That misses the zone and it's 2
00:45:32and 1.
00:45:36And he deals.
00:45:38On the ground.
00:45:40On the run sends it over to
00:45:41first.
00:45:43They don't come much closer than
00:45:44that.
00:45:45Bang bang play to end the inning.
00:45:46Braves strand one but they lead
00:45:48at three nothing.
00:45:57Back here at Coors Field.
00:45:58John Chavez with my buddy Chris
00:46:00Singleton set to get us started
00:46:02bottom five number 70.
00:46:05Number.
00:46:18And a pitch.
00:46:22And a breaking ball drops in for
00:46:23a strike.
00:46:29Kicks and fires.
00:46:32That misses off the outside edge.
00:46:35That's a strike.
00:46:52The 1 1.
00:46:56Here's a strike.
00:47:05The wine in the pitch.
00:47:09And that one fouled off.
00:47:18Right hander kicks deals.
00:47:36Down on strikes and the leadoff
00:47:38man set down in their half of
00:47:40the fifth man that thing just
00:47:42barely got the zone so you almost
00:47:44can't blame the guy for laying
00:47:45off.
00:47:46The way knuckleballs dart all
00:47:48over the place realistically
00:47:50that could have just as easily
00:47:51missed by four or five inches
00:47:53it's such a tough pitch to not
00:47:54over commit to so sometimes you
00:47:57just hold off and hope it dances
00:47:58out of the zone.
00:47:59Blackman.
00:48:00And a strike.
00:48:01And a strike.
00:48:02Hold off and hope it dances out
00:48:03of the zone.
00:48:04Blackman in the box with one
00:48:06away as he takes ball one.
00:48:17The 1 0.
00:48:20That clips a corner.
00:48:29And wanted to.
00:48:32Get a strike.
00:48:38Left hand batter waits.
00:48:41There's a swing and a drive.
00:48:43That's back.
00:48:44Leaping try but it's off his
00:48:46glove.
00:48:49And in a second with one away
00:48:50that's a double.
00:48:51Oh here we are third time through
00:48:53the order and this is where we
00:48:54see the OPS jump off manager
00:48:57might have to go to the bullpen a
00:48:58little bit sooner than he
00:49:00anticipated.
00:49:02He's going to be a little bit
00:49:03more aggressive.
00:49:10One out runner at second.
00:49:12Here's D.J. LeMahieu.
00:49:14Now back.
00:49:15Second baseman.
00:49:17DJ first pitch and that's in for
00:49:19a strike.
00:49:19Mayhew.
00:49:21And a strike.
00:49:30And the right hander deals.
00:49:33At a foul ball left side.
00:49:44Righty to the play.
00:49:47Popped up middle of the diamond.
00:49:50and there's two away.
00:49:56Now batting, first baseman
00:49:58Todd
00:50:00Helton.
00:50:02And here's the first baseman
00:50:04Todd Helton.
00:50:06I'd say he's due.
00:50:08Sigi, he's got a history of coming through
00:50:10in the big spots. I know
00:50:12I like to talk about I'm not sure where their clutch
00:50:14actually exists, but you look at the numbers
00:50:16and this guy always seems
00:50:18to deliver in those spots.
00:50:26In there and it's 0-1.
00:50:28Well I think it's the ability to
00:50:30assess the situation, understanding
00:50:32what the pitcher has, what he's trying to get
00:50:34people out on, and then being able to use the
00:50:36entire field.
00:50:42Runner
00:50:44at second, two down.
00:50:48Swing
00:50:50and a miss
00:50:52and that is that.
00:50:54So one left
00:50:56for Colorado. They trail in this one
00:50:583-0.
00:51:06They hand the ball over
00:51:08to a new arm, Kyle Freeland.
00:51:10And he'll do his best to keep this close.
00:51:12At this point in the ballgame
00:51:14we're talking about middle innings
00:51:16and the little length
00:51:18out of this arm coming out
00:51:20of the bullpen. We'll see just how many
00:51:22outs he's able to give this skipper.
00:51:24Back here in Denver.
00:51:26We go to the top half of
00:51:28inning number six.
00:51:30Now it's going to be David Justice.
00:51:32With this kind of lead
00:51:34he can swing freely, try to hit the ball
00:51:36out of the park, do what he loves to do.
00:51:38The pitch.
00:51:42Swing
00:51:44and a ball lifted left field.
00:51:46No trouble here.
00:51:48Puts it away for the out.
00:51:50And there's one down.
00:51:54Next to hit
00:51:56Chipper Jones.
00:52:06First pitch doesn't find
00:52:08the zone.
00:52:10The big lefty
00:52:12turns, kicks, deals.
00:52:14Inside.
00:52:16Just missed.
00:52:22And the pitch.
00:52:26There's the strike.
00:52:28And it's 2-1 now.
00:52:36Next pitch has popped up.
00:52:40Helton makes the play.
00:52:42And there's two down.
00:52:44That's what he's looking for with the fastball above the zone.
00:52:46A swing and miss or weak contact.
00:52:52Two outs. Base is empty.
00:52:54Now in for the Braves. Joe Torrey.
00:53:04Now a screamer into the outfield.
00:53:06Blackman
00:53:08makes the catch.
00:53:10And that'll do it. To the bottom of the 6 we go.
00:53:124-5-6 coming up.
00:53:14It's the Braves 3
00:53:16and the Rockies nothing.
00:53:22Bottom of the inning.
00:53:24And now here's a speed threat.
00:53:26Outfielder Larry Walker.
00:53:28Great speed and great power.
00:53:30A great athlete quite simply.
00:53:32Walker.
00:53:34The right hander back to work.
00:53:38This one lifted in the air.
00:53:40Left field.
00:53:42And gobbled up by Duffy.
00:53:44What a way.
00:53:48The designated hitter. Number 9.
00:53:52And next is the designated hitter.
00:53:54Vinny Castillo.
00:54:02First offering and it just misses.
00:54:04If you're in the mound right now
00:54:06you know you have to retire this hitter.
00:54:08If he gets on base
00:54:10it could open up the floodgates
00:54:12for this offense to score some runs.
00:54:16And there's a foul ball.
00:54:26A wide kick to pitch.
00:54:28Puts it in the air.
00:54:30Out towards left center.
00:54:32Long. Drifts towards it.
00:54:34Makes the catch for the out.
00:54:40Up next for Colorado.
00:54:42The third baseman.
00:54:44Nolan Arenado.
00:54:46Here's Nolan Arenado.
00:54:58And first offering is fouled off.
00:55:00He's got to be pretty proud
00:55:02of this outing so far.
00:55:04Sometimes guys cower
00:55:06coming into a ballpark like this.
00:55:08But he's attacked hitters.
00:55:10Pitching on the road like this
00:55:12is very impressive.
00:55:14This has been a treat to watch.
00:55:20Oh and two as he waves at that one.
00:55:22It really looks like these hitters
00:55:24have been in between with their timing today.
00:55:26Good fastball. Excellent slider.
00:55:28But they've not been able to commit
00:55:30to one velocity and stay there.
00:55:44Two outs.
00:55:48The punch out there.
00:55:50And good work there as he gets a 1-2-3.
00:55:52Nothing doing for the Rockies.
00:55:54Still down 3-0.
00:56:06Back here at the ballpark.
00:56:08Here's a big power threat.
00:56:10Andrew Jones.
00:56:12Pretty amazing athlete this guy is.
00:56:14Power and speed.
00:56:16Quite a threat.
00:56:18I mean you're talking about someone
00:56:20who can steal your bag and go deep.
00:56:22Bo Jackson anyone?
00:56:24That hits the dirt.
00:56:26And that is ball one.
00:56:42Next pitch inside.
00:56:44And that's ball two.
00:56:47Kicks and deals.
00:56:51A swing and a miss.
00:56:53And that's strike one.
00:56:59The pitch.
00:57:04Foul ball there.
00:57:06He's mixing his pitches really well.
00:57:08Late on that fastball after seeing the changeup.
00:57:10See if he can elevate one.
00:57:12I think if he does he'll get the swing and miss.
00:57:17On the ground to third.
00:57:21Renato to first.
00:57:23In time.
00:57:25And they get the leadoff hitter in the 7th.
00:57:27Here's another look with Stackass Senge.
00:57:29The throw needed to be strong to beat the runner.
00:57:31And it was.
00:57:33Yeah that play was close.
00:57:35And I think we need to credit that 88 mile per hour throw
00:57:37as the difference maker right there.
00:57:39That's just impressive.
00:57:42And now it's going to be Bobby Lowe.
00:57:44One for two.
00:57:50And a bunt towards third.
00:57:52And it goes just foul.
00:58:06The wind of the pitch.
00:58:08The wind of the pitch.
00:58:12And a foul ball.
00:58:22The wind of the pitch.
00:58:26Going to count one and two.
00:58:35And here it comes.
00:58:39Swing and a miss.
00:58:41The velocity blasted it right past him.
00:58:47Two out. Space is empty.
00:58:49And here is Herman Long.
00:58:59That one's in there. 0 and 1.
00:59:01Felling that bat can be a little bit of a dance.
00:59:03Strike one here.
00:59:05But a few more pitches. We'll see how it turns out.
00:59:09Strike one.
00:59:15Comes up empty on the swing. 0 and 2 now.
00:59:17Throwing the ball well.
00:59:19And they need this score to send in relief right here.
00:59:21Been doing a good job keeping them in striking distance.
00:59:27The pitch.
00:59:31That misses.
00:59:33Now one and two.
00:59:35That's a really good job of laying off the 0-2
00:59:37high fastball.
00:59:39It's going to make that pitcher really have to respect this hitter
00:59:41even though he's behind in the count.
00:59:49Left hand hitter waits.
00:59:53And that one is lifted in the air.
00:59:55Gonzalez gliding to his left.
00:59:57Makes the catch.
00:59:59In and goal.
01:00:01Down and over go the Braves.
01:00:03But they're on top by a count of 3-0.
01:00:07The Braves win.
01:00:13Bottom of the 7th.
01:00:15Here's the left fielder.
01:00:17Carlos Gonzalez.
01:00:25Necro back to work.
01:00:29And immediately pumps in a strike to the left handed hitter.
01:00:31The Braves bullpen has some activity.
01:00:33Craig Kimbrell getting ready to come in
01:00:35for manager Brian Snicker.
01:00:37Number 26.
01:00:39Getting cranked up as well.
01:00:45That one is absolutely belted.
01:00:49Way back there.
01:00:51Turning, looking and that one is gone.
01:00:55This place is absolutely loving it.
01:00:57And they cut into the lead.
01:00:59It's 3-1.
01:01:05The Braves win.
01:01:17Took on the big part of the yard for that home run.
01:01:19And just barely got it over the wall.
01:01:21Up for a second.
01:01:23He brought it back out there too.
01:01:25Gave it a great effort.
01:01:27But those plays are so tough to pull off.
01:01:29And I'm sure he'd love to have another shot at it.
01:01:31Number 2.
01:01:33The batter.
01:01:35Number 2.
01:01:37And he swings and misses.
01:01:39And it's nothing and 1.
01:01:51Righty delivers.
01:01:55In the air right side.
01:01:57Hank coming in on it.
01:01:59Makes the grab on the run.
01:02:01And there's one down.
01:02:05Number 20.
01:02:07Number 20 digging in for the Rockies.
01:02:21In there for strike one.
01:02:23I'm impressed by the number of first pitch strikes.
01:02:25He's not afraid of contact.
01:02:27Some guys, they'll nibble.
01:02:29They'll nibble just because they don't want to get hit hard.
01:02:31That's not what we're seeing here.
01:02:39Slice to right.
01:02:41Just inside the line and it's down for a knock.
01:02:43Now he'll turn for second.
01:02:47And he's in with a stand-up double.
01:02:49Always feels amazing getting a job done
01:02:51when the team needs you to come through.
01:02:53It's just bigger than your own individual stats.
01:02:55He really shot that one down the right field line.
01:02:57And somehow found a way to keep it from slicing foul.
01:02:59One thing that was great about the approach
01:03:01his head was down all the way through the pitch.
01:03:03And that's how you do it.
01:03:05Now a huge at bat in this game coming up.
01:03:07Hard grounder into the outfield for a knock.
01:03:13Stop sign goes up at third.
01:03:15Runners at the corners with one out.
01:03:17Well that's a smart decision to hold up
01:03:19with one out and the heart of the order coming up.
01:03:21Don't want to run into an out at home plate.
01:03:28Here comes the manager out of the Braves dugout.
01:03:30And he will make a move to the pen.
01:03:32Phil Necro departs.
01:03:34And as he heads off, he'll step aside for a minute.
01:03:36Back with the new pitcher after this break.
01:03:46Kid Nichols.
01:03:48And he'll work on holding this lead.
01:03:58And now it's DJ LeMahieu digging in.
01:04:08Foul off down the right side.
01:04:10In the infield at the corners.
01:04:12Don't be surprised to see them come home first.
01:04:14And prevent that run from scoring.
01:04:28The 0-1.
01:04:32Swing and a foul.
01:04:34Pushed off to the right.
01:04:36I think ultimately you want to tie him up.
01:04:38Get the ball in on the plate so that he can't
01:04:40get the barrel to it and hit it to the outfield.
01:04:44And the 0-2.
01:04:46That one drifts inside.
01:04:54The 1-2.
01:04:58Check swing. Appeal to first.
01:05:00And he punches him out.
01:05:02He went around.
01:05:04And now the first baseman,
01:05:06Todd Hilton.
01:05:08Well, he's always a threat.
01:05:10Even if this guy is 0-3 for the night
01:05:12with three strikeouts.
01:05:14He can come up that fourth time and do damage
01:05:16because he's that good.
01:05:19And that's in there for strike one.
01:05:29Runners on first and third.
01:05:31Two away.
01:05:39Next pitch misses.
01:05:41And it's a ball and a strike.
01:05:44Next pitch misses.
01:05:46And it's a ball and a strike.
01:05:54At the belt and fires.
01:05:56And a foul ball.
01:06:00Definitely got the hitter conscious of the pitch inside.
01:06:03Really think the outer half is open.
01:06:10The 1-2.
01:06:13Meanwhile, this pitch gets away.
01:06:15No advance.
01:06:17Good job behind the dish.
01:06:232-2 down.
01:06:25Upstairs.
01:06:27This is a really good feeling for a hitter.
01:06:29At this point in the ball game, you know
01:06:31that they don't want to walk you.
01:06:33So you're going to get a pitch to hit.
01:06:35You just better not miss it.
01:06:39Throw over to first.
01:06:41Back in standing.
01:06:51Right-handed reliever.
01:06:55And that one wrapped foul.
01:06:59Corners are occupied with two down.
01:07:01Hard on the ground to first.
01:07:03Takes it himself.
01:07:05What a play to end the inning.
01:07:07But not before they answer back
01:07:09with a solo home run.
01:07:11And this is now a 3-1 ball game.
01:07:17And welcome back.
01:07:19We go to the 8th.
01:07:21Leading off, Q Duffy.
01:07:23And welcome back.
01:07:25We go to the 8th.
01:07:27Leading off, Q Duffy.
01:07:29And welcome back.
01:07:31Leading off, Q Duffy.
01:07:35The pitch.
01:07:39That one missing inside.
01:07:49Turned on, but that's foul.
01:07:51Down the third baseline.
01:07:53A little early on that fastball.
01:07:55I'm sure the pitcher taking a note.
01:07:57And now the lefty.
01:08:01And that's in for a strike.
01:08:03Well, he went inside a couple of times.
01:08:05And now outside.
01:08:07Hitter's not exactly sure where to look
01:08:09for this next pitch.
01:08:13This one in the air right field.
01:08:15Makes the grab one away.
01:08:23How about it?
01:08:25The first baseman.
01:08:27Freddie Freeman.
01:08:29Now the number two hitter.
01:08:31Freddie Freeman.
01:08:33One for three.
01:08:43And first offering is fouled off.
01:08:45Nice.
01:08:53The pitch.
01:08:57That one pushed foul.
01:08:59Well, he got challenged
01:09:01with a good fastball right there.
01:09:03Just couldn't catch up.
01:09:07And the pitch.
01:09:11And a swing and a miss.
01:09:13Down on strikes.
01:09:15That's out number two.
01:09:17Third time he struck out in this one.
01:09:19And definitely an individual performance
01:09:21you want to flush.
01:09:23He just hasn't looked very comfortable up there.
01:09:25Just one of those days.
01:09:27But when you're still winning the ball game
01:09:29at least you can focus on doing your part
01:09:31to maintain that lead and getting that W.
01:09:35So now to the plate for Atlanta.
01:09:37Hank Aaron.
01:09:40In there and it's 0-1.
01:09:422-1.
01:10:08And the pitch.
01:10:12Got him looking.
01:10:14That ends the frame.
01:10:16Braves go down quickly here.
01:10:18And the score stays 3-1.
01:10:28Welcome back.
01:10:30Ready for the bottom of the eighth.
01:10:32Here's the Rockies cleanup hitter.
01:10:34Larry Walker.
01:10:38And the right hitter back to work.
01:10:40That clips the zone.
01:10:42And that is strike one.
01:10:44Impressed that he went right after him on that first pitch.
01:10:46That's the key.
01:10:48Try to get ahead in the count.
01:10:50And you can play around a little bit more
01:10:52at bat expanse.
01:10:54And he's down 0-2
01:10:56as he swings through it.
01:10:58Movement in the bullpen.
01:11:00John Smoltz getting ready to come in
01:11:02for manager Brian Snicker.
01:11:10Next offering is in the dirt.
01:11:22And a foul ball.
01:11:24He stays alive.
01:11:32And a pitch.
01:11:34Got him.
01:11:36And a key out leading off
01:11:38the bottom of the eighth.
01:11:42So they turn things over
01:11:44to one of their young arms.
01:11:46Craig Kimbrell.
01:11:48He's being eased into the game here
01:11:50where the base is empty.
01:12:00Vinny Castillo digging in for the Rockies.
01:12:08And a pitch.
01:12:14Lifted in the air.
01:12:16Right field.
01:12:18Hank settles underneath it.
01:12:20And there's two away.
01:12:28Now batting.
01:12:30Third baseman.
01:12:32Nolan.
01:12:34Two outs. Base is empty.
01:12:36Fourth time tonight.
01:12:46And first offering is fouled off.
01:13:02And there's a ball.
01:13:04Perhaps a little bit too much on that two seamer.
01:13:06Couldn't hold the corner.
01:13:16Kicks and fires.
01:13:30And that's outside.
01:13:34And it's filled up.
01:13:52And it's filled up.
01:13:54Three and two.
01:14:00Right-hander kicks.
01:14:02Deals.
01:14:04Out in front. And foul to the left side.
01:14:18The three-two is
01:14:20off the outside edge.
01:14:22And that is ball four.
01:14:24How big a deal is that walk?
01:14:26I don't think it's a big deal because
01:14:28if you pitch to the previous hitter
01:14:30with the power he has
01:14:32he can hit a home run.
01:14:34I think it was a calculated walk.
01:14:36We'll see how it pays off here.
01:14:42Gonzalez.
01:14:44In the box with two gone.
01:14:46And takes a look at a called strike.
01:14:52And it's in.
01:15:04Oh and two as he waves at that one.
01:15:06Looking very settled on the mound here
01:15:08in the eighth. One more out and they'll probably
01:15:10hand it off to their closer for the ninth
01:15:12with at least a two run lead.
01:15:14Ground ball.
01:15:20Left side.
01:15:22And that one finds its way through.
01:15:24They stop the lead runner at second.
01:15:26Now two on with two outs.
01:15:28Well that at bat had a lot of
01:15:30pressure riding on it so really
01:15:32great job coming through right there.
01:15:34It's got to feel good. Just a simple ground ball
01:15:36the other way that had eyes on it man.
01:15:38Sometimes that's all you need to do.
01:15:40Just let the ball travel. Put the ball in play
01:15:42and just hope it finds a hole.
01:15:44And now number two.
01:15:46First pitch and that's in for a strike.
01:15:48These home fans
01:15:50they are making a lot of noise
01:15:52putting pressure on that pitcher
01:15:54out there.
01:16:04Here comes a pitch.
01:16:06Good eye on that spot.
01:16:12Two outs.
01:16:20Couple of base runners at first and second.
01:16:26Strike two.
01:16:28I think he was sitting off speed there.
01:16:36Two on two outs.
01:16:42Stays alive.
01:17:02Righty to the plate.
01:17:04Got him looking.
01:17:06Inning over.
01:17:12This guy competes hard.
01:17:14We see the emotion there.
01:17:16I love it.
01:17:18Great job of getting out of the jam.
01:17:34Back here at Coors Field.
01:17:36All set to start the ninth in this one.
01:17:38And now it's Atlanta's cleanup hitter
01:17:40David Justice.
01:17:48Freeland back to work.
01:17:52And the first pitch misses for ball one.
01:17:54The Rockies have some action in the pen.
01:17:56Brian Fuentes.
01:17:58The lefty looks to be getting himself ready.
01:18:06Left hand batter waits.
01:18:10And it's fouled away.
01:18:20It's a 1-1.
01:18:24And that's through there for a strike.
01:18:34And a foul ball.
01:18:36He stays alive.
01:18:41And a pitch.
01:18:46And that just misses.
01:18:48This is a guy that can be frustrating for pitchers
01:18:50because he fouls off so many pitches
01:18:52and grinds out the at-bat.
01:18:54I'm sure there are some times where a pitcher
01:18:56would rather just give up a first pitch single
01:18:58than have to waste six or seven pitches on one hitter.
01:19:02Swing and a miss.
01:19:04And he struck him out.
01:19:06And one out now.
01:19:08And one out now.
01:19:10That's that classic wipeout slider
01:19:12below the zone right there.
01:19:14Just nasty.
01:19:16Looks like a fastball thigh-high
01:19:18that you've got to protect the zone
01:19:20and then it's just that late break that fools you
01:19:22and kind of makes you look silly.
01:19:24Now the third baseman, Chipper Jones.
01:19:30In there for strike one.
01:19:38That's a strike.
01:19:40Good pitch to hit.
01:19:42On a tee up in the zone.
01:19:44I think he was looking for something else right there.
01:20:09Stays alive.
01:20:24That one hit to right.
01:20:26Walker on the move to his left.
01:20:28Nice grab on the run.
01:20:30And there's two down.
01:20:38Joe Torre.
01:20:40Two out. Space is empty.
01:20:42Here's the catcher, Joe Torre.
01:20:52That one's in there. 0-1.
01:20:54Two down. Nobody on.
01:21:06Two down. Nobody on.
01:21:12This guy is so comfortable
01:21:14hitting with two strikes.
01:21:16Even a good pitch early in the at-bat.
01:21:18If he's not ready to pull the trigger,
01:21:20he's not worried if he gets to an 0-2 count.
01:21:22Out towards right center field.
01:21:24Base hit.
01:21:26And that extends the inning.
01:21:32Andrew Jones.
01:21:34Next up for the Braves.
01:21:42Base hit. Center field.
01:21:46Throw stops the lead runner at second.
01:21:48Two on and two out.
01:21:50Didn't take long to get a result for that at-bat.
01:21:52I could watch base hits like that one all day long.
01:21:54And so could every hitting coach in the league.
01:21:56Just a nice line drive into center field.
01:22:00So first and second with two outs.
01:22:02And next for Atlanta.
01:22:04Bobby Lowe.
01:22:06This guy has turned into a beast.
01:22:10Looking for some insurance.
01:22:12Or as our friends down in the south would say.
01:22:14Insurance.
01:22:16No matter how you say it, we know what you mean.
01:22:18And that's in there for strike one.
01:22:30That clips the corner.
01:22:40Keck Sandios.
01:22:42Breaks his bat.
01:22:44Pops it up.
01:22:46Pops it in for the third out.
01:22:48And 9-1-2 scheduled to lead off the bottom of the ninth.
01:22:52It's the Braves 3 and the Rockies 1.
01:23:00Back now as they hand the ball to a fresh arm to start the bottom of the ninth.
01:23:02John Smoltz.
01:23:04On for his 20th appearance of the year.
01:23:06Smoltz.
01:23:14Back here in Denver.
01:23:16And now here is number 20.
01:23:18Leading off for the Rockies.
01:23:20The catcher.
01:23:22Number 20.
01:23:24And he deals.
01:23:26There's the strike.
01:23:28Smoltz.
01:23:30He's known as a reliever that excels in really tough situations.
01:23:32Those high leverage spots.
01:23:34It seems like he's at his best in these situations.
01:23:36And obviously the ability to get the strikeout factors in.
01:23:42He'll want.
01:23:56Swing and a pop-up.
01:23:58Foul territory for the catcher.
01:24:00Torrey makes the grab.
01:24:02And he's down.
01:24:04There are certain guys that expect to come in and dominate.
01:24:06And they see the challenge.
01:24:08The battle just a little bit differently.
01:24:10They trust their stuff.
01:24:12And they believe that their stuff is better.
01:24:14Than that guy standing in the batter's box.
01:24:16What his swing.
01:24:18What his ability is.
01:24:28Blackman stands in now.
01:24:30And watches strike one.
01:24:34The pitch.
01:24:38And takes low for ball one.
01:24:40The mental approach is a big factor too.
01:24:42Isn't it?
01:24:44Yeah Boog it is.
01:24:46And you know for each guy it can be a little different.
01:24:48Some people consciously work on focusing.
01:24:50Slowing things down.
01:24:52Breathing techniques.
01:24:54And then there's some players that are just natural.
01:24:56And they just seem to be more composed and less excitable.
01:24:58The grab on the run.
01:25:00And there are two outs.
01:25:06So digging in.
01:25:08DJ LeMayhew.
01:25:10A lot of times with relievers.
01:25:12They just like to get amped up.
01:25:14And they're not really looking to try and slow it down.
01:25:16Right?
01:25:18They're just trying to get hyper.
01:25:20Yeah and perhaps make that hitter a little hyper.
01:25:22And make him more aggressive.
01:25:24And that way when they put a wrinkle.
01:25:26He's out in front just a little bit.
01:25:34Next offering is in for a strike.
01:25:46Just one strike away.
01:25:50And a foul ball.
01:25:52He stays alive.
01:25:56Goal in two now.
01:26:10Now one missed.
01:26:12And just hacking like you used to.
01:26:14Yeah kind of the same.
01:26:16Just like that.
01:26:18And now two and two.
01:26:22Stays alive.
01:26:24Stays alive.
01:26:32And the righty deals.
01:26:36And a swing and a miss.
01:26:38And that is the ball game.
01:26:40These guys have gotten off to a great start.
01:26:42They've come in here.
01:26:44They've won the first two games of this series.
01:26:46Riding high right now.
01:26:48Pretty confident.
01:26:50But you've got to be careful.
01:26:52You've got a big task at hand.
01:26:54You could drop the next two games and leave here.
01:26:56Feel a little disappointed after a great start to the series.
01:26:58And your final 3-1.
01:27:00For Chris Singleton.
01:27:02And our entire outstanding crew here at MLB The Show.
01:27:04I'm John Schambe.
01:27:06Thanks for joining us.
01:27:22Talk to me.
01:27:28I know you see through me.
01:27:52The final line score for our ball game tonight.
01:27:54For the victorious Atlanta Braves.
01:27:56Rerun.
01:27:58Six hits.