Freeman Walks It Off, Braves Steal Game 1 in 13-Inning Thriller

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds by the score of 1-0 in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on Wednesday.

Despite Reds' starter Trevor Bauer pitching an absolute gem (7.2 IP, 2 H, 12 SO), the Braves managed to capitalize in the clutch moments of a scoreless contest.

Atlanta didn't make an error on Wednesday afternoon. Their defensive capabilities were on full display in the seventh inning, when Austin Riley's diving tag prevented Aristides Aquino from breaking the scoreless tie.

Meanwhile, the Braves also received a stellar performance from their young starter Max Fried (7.0 IP, 6 H, 5 SO).

As the matchup crept closer to becoming the longest scoreless game in MLB postseason history, however, it was Atlanta's relievers who repeatedly dealt clutch strikes to escape jams.

In the 11th inning, Tyler Matzek struck out Mike Moustakas to strand the bases loaded.

In the 12th, Matzek struck out Freddy Galvis with two runners in scoring position to end the inning.

And in the 13th, A.J. Minter worked his way out of a bases loaded, one-out scenario to provide the Braves with yet another opportunity to walk-off.

Despite Cincinnati outhitting Atlanta significantly to this point (11 to 3), the Braves found their bats when they needed them most in the bottom of the 13th.

Nick Markakis led off the inning with a single to right field. 

Austin Riley then singled past the diving shortstop to put two runners on with nobody out.

And with one out, it was Freddie Freeman shooting one into center field to score the pinch-running Cristian Pache and place Atlanta one win away from their first playoff series victory since 2001.

The Braves and Reds will do battle in Game 2 on Thursday afternoon at 12:08 PM EDT.

Ian Anderson and Luis Castillo will take the mound for their respective clubs.


What are your thoughts on the Braves' postseason odds?

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Comments

  1. JohnSeptember 30, 2020 at 2:51 PM

    Markakis was replaced by pinch runner Cristian Pache in the 13th. Pache scored the winning run.

    ReplyDelete

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