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SAN DIEGO — Blaming AJ Smith-Shawver for the Atlanta Braves’ 4-0 defeat against the San Diego Padres in their Wild Card Series opener might be tempting, especially after he surrendered a two-run homer to Fernando Tatis Jr. on just the second pitch—a fastball that lacked precision and sailed over the plate.
One might also question the Braves’ decision to start a 21-year-old rookie who had only pitched once in the major leagues this season—four months prior—and had a total of eight MLB games under his belt, including one earlier postseason appearance where he allowed three home runs in just 2 2/3 innings of relief.
However, the game was not lost the moment Smith-Shawver left the game with one out in the second inning, trailing 3-0. At least, it didn’t need to be that way. Combine that with the fact that right-hander Michael King thoroughly dominated the Braves’ lineup, striking out 12 players over seven innings, and it’s clear the outcome was sealed.
Now the Braves face a critical juncture, propelled by players who have risen to the occasion this season despite doubts. They must secure a win on Wednesday night in the packed atmosphere of Petco Park during the postseason, or risk being eliminated until spring.
“Here we go,” remarked Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud, sharing what he plans to communicate to his teammates. “It’s almost like (Monday) was a win-or-go-home situation. We all recognize the stakes, and we will be prepared to play.”
Travis d’Arnaud delivers a message to AJ Smith-Shawver during an eventful second inning. ‘He came ready to go. He was amped up.’ (Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)
The Braves confronted a must-win scenario during the second game of Monday’s makeup doubleheader against the New York Mets after suffering a loss in Game 1, which allowed the Mets to secure a wild-card berth.
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Braves find themselves in a pivotal moment as Fried is set to become a free agent.
Are the Braves optimistic about leveling the series to trigger a Game 3?
“Absolutely,” affirmed Aaron Bummer, who delivered 2 2/3 innings of hitless and scoreless pitching on Tuesday. On a night where he, along with lower-leverage relievers Jesse Chavez and Luke Jackson, allowed merely one hit over 6 2/3 innings following Smith-Shawver’s exit. That lone hit came in the eighth inning from Kyle Higashioka, who homered off Jackson.
This performance allowed the Braves to rest their high-leverage pitchers, who had seen extensive action in the past couple of days, ensuring Atlanta has a fully equipped bullpen for Wednesday’s matchup against Fried.
“(Fried) has done it before; he’s pitched in the World Series and has accomplished numerous feats,” Bummer expressed. “I’m excited to see him pitch, and I know he’ll give it his all. Right now, I wouldn’t want anyone else on that mound other than Max.”
D’Arnaud shared the team’s sentiments regarding Fried taking the mound in such a crucial game: “We have total confidence in him. He’s been through significant games like this, and he always rises to the occasion. There’s no one else we’d prefer to have pitching.”
When the Padres learned that Sale, the NL Triple Crown winner and likely Cy Young recipient, was scratched from Monday’s doubleheader, they started to question if he would appear in the Wild Card Series. With him excluded from the series roster, they realized the implications it held for the Braves.
“Chris Sale was probably the pitcher that, I suppose, the entire (Braves) team would have preferred,” noted Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts. “But with him unavailable, they had to turn to someone else. We understood their predicament. It was unfortunate for them, but that’s just baseball, right?”
On the other hand, the Padres were well-prepared for the series, positioning Joe Musgrove against Fried on Wednesday, with Dylan Cease slated to start a potential Game 3 on Thursday. Should the Braves advance, they will likely rely on Reynaldo López for Game 3.
King significantly complicated their chances in his initial postseason start. He struck out twelve batters without issuing a walk over seven innings, allowing only five hits—four of which were singles—marking one of the finest playoff debuts in history.
This performance ranks as the second-highest strikeout total in a single postseason game for the Padres, trailing only Kevin Brown’s 16 strikeouts. King also became the first pitcher in MLB history to record 12 strikeouts with no runs or walks in a postseason game.
“He controlled the zone and directed the game,” stated Braves center fielder Michael Harris II. “Twelve strikeouts is impressive. He effectively made his pitches and dominated the game.”
In the eighth inning, Padres reliever Jason Adam added to the tally with three more strikeouts against the Braves, making the Padres the first team in postseason history to record at least 15 strikeouts in a game without issuing a walk or allowing a run. No other team’s pitchers had exceeded 11 strikeouts without any walks or runs during a postseason game.
“For us, the key was not to miss the pitches we were aiming to hit,” Harris remarked. “(King) did well by not leaving pitches over the plate, which made it challenging.”
The Braves struggled with pitch selection, swinging at many pitches that were
Effective in the bullpen, unfortunately, the team was unable to avoid a couple of mistakes that the opponents capitalized on. Tatis was quick off the mark; on the very first pitch, he was ready and hit a ball he didn’t miss. Credit goes to those players—taking the mound as a 21-year-old is impressive. He showed no fear, but a few missteps were made, and they made us pay for it.
Expectations for Smith-Shawver, who typically throws harder, didn’t align with what the Braves witnessed; he opened with fastballs clocked at 93-94 mph for the first two batters. Just seven pitches into the game, he had already given up a single to NL batting champion Luis Arraez and a colossal 415-foot homer to Tatis, recorded at a staggering 112.8 mph on a 93.5 mph fastball right down the middle.
“Clearly, it didn’t unfold as planned, but that’s baseball,” Smith-Shawver admitted. “Tatis prefers it inside. I inadvertently offered him one up.”
He only managed three fastballs exceeding 95.8 mph, and the average speed of his 15 fastballs was 95.0, which is 1.2 mph slower than his May start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field — a performance that was promising but resulted in a strained oblique, placing him on the injured list.
“He kicked things off at 93,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, who had not anticipated seeing that from Smith-Shawver at the start of Tuesday’s game. “Then suddenly, I noticed some pitches reaching 98. We did well to minimize the damage, and the bullpen effectively kept us in the game.”
“As I mentioned, it wasn’t the starter that led to today’s loss. Our offense struggled to get anything going,” Snitker added.
When asked about his slower velocity during those initial throws, including the one that Tatis crushed, Smith-Shawver remarked, “You just focus on getting out there, trying to throw a few strikes and find your rhythm. When it’s necessary, you can ramp it up. That’s the approach I’ve taken this year, oscillating back and forth.”
However, this isn’t Triple-A; this is a best-of-three series in the MLB postseason. The urgency to “ramp it up” was immediate.
Now, the Braves and Fried find themselves with no margin for error. It’s win or go home.
Fried mentioned before the game that he hadn’t had a chance to converse with Smith-Shawver since the rookie learned he would be starting from Snitker just before noon on Tuesday. If they had connected, Fried would have said, “Go out there and give it your all. Leave no room for regrets.”
That opportunity didn’t arise on Tuesday. Moving forward, Fried and the Braves, particularly their hitters, need to deliver on Wednesday.
(Top photo of Marcell Ozuna: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)
Braves Face Must-Win Game Against Padres After Disappointing Wild Card Opener
The Context of the Series
As the Atlanta Braves gear up for their critical matchup against the San Diego Padres, the stakes have never been higher. Coming off a disappointing Wild Card opener, the Braves find themselves in a must-win situation. This article delves into the implications of this game, the players to watch, and strategies that could help the Braves turn things around.
Braves’ Wild Card Opener: A Disappointing Performance
In the opening game of the Wild Card series, the Braves faced a tough loss that left fans and players alike feeling disheartened. Despite a strong season, where they showcased their skills and depth, the Braves stumbled at a critical moment. Key mistakes in both offense and defense, coupled with missed opportunities, highlighted areas needing improvement.
Key Takeaways from the Wild Card Opener
- Offensive Struggles: The Braves’ lineup was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leading to a disappointing run total.
- Pitching Woes: Starting pitching did not meet expectations, allowing the Padres to gain early momentum.
- Defensive Errors: A couple of crucial errors in the field contributed to the loss, which can’t be overlooked.
Must-Win Strategies for the Braves
With their backs against the wall, the Braves must implement effective strategies to reclaim momentum against the Padres. Here are some practical tips for the team:
1. Strengthen the Pitching Rotation
It’s vital for the Braves to have their starting pitcher go deep into the game. The coaching staff should consider the following:
- Utilizing a pitcher with playoff experience to bolster confidence.
- Implementing a robust game plan to limit the Padres’ offensive threats.
2. Revitalize the Offense
The Braves need to focus on generating runs. Here are some tactics to consider:
- Encourage aggressive baserunning to capitalize on defensive lapses.
- Implementing situational hitting approaches to drive in runners from scoring positions.
3. Defensive Cohesion
Improving defensive reliability is crucial. The team can enhance their defense by:
- Practicing situational drills to prepare for high-pressure moments.
- Fostering communication among fielders to reduce error rates.
Players to Watch in the Must-Win Game
Several key players will be instrumental in the Braves’ performance against the Padres. Here’s a look at who might make a significant impact:
1. Ronald Acuña Jr.
Acuña’s explosive ability to change the game with his bat and speed is invaluable. He needs to be a catalyst at the top of the lineup.
2. Max Fried
As a seasoned starter, Fried’s role as the ace of the rotation is to provide stability. A strong performance is essential for the Braves’ success.
3. Ozzie Albies
Known for his clutch hitting, Albies can turn the tide of the game with timely hits and should be a focal point in the batting order.
Predicted Lineup for the Braves
Here’s a potential lineup that might help the Braves in their must-win game:
| Position | Player | 2024 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| CF | Ronald Acuña Jr. | .302 AVG, 30 HR |
| 2B | Ozzie Albies | .270 AVG, 20 HR |
| 1B | Matt Olson | .250 AVG, 35 HR |
| 3B | Austin Riley | .278 AVG, 27 HR |
| SS | Dansby Swanson | .265 AVG, 18 HR |
| LF | Marcell Ozuna | .240 AVG, 22 HR |
| RF | Adam Duvall | .245 AVG, 15 HR |
| C | Travis d’Arnaud | .220 AVG, 10 HR |
| SP | Max Fried | 3.50 ERA |
Fan Engagement and Support
The role of fans cannot be underestimated in a high-stakes situation like this. Here are some ways fans can support the Braves:
- Show Up: Attend the game and fill the stands to create an electrifying atmosphere.
- Social Media: Engage with the team on social platforms, using hashtags to rally support.
- Merchandise: Wear team colors and merchandise to show solidarity and support.
Case Study: Previous Comebacks in MLB History
The Braves are not the first team to face a must-win situation. Here are notable examples of teams that overcame early playoff setbacks:
- 2004 Boston Red Sox: After losing the first three games to the New York Yankees, they made history by winning four straight games to reach the World Series.
- 2019 Washington Nationals: They bounced back from a Wild Card loss to win the World Series, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Braves fan, I’ve seen the team overcome adversity time and again. One of my favorite moments was during the 1995 World Series when they fought through tough games to claim victory. The feelings of joy and pride, knowing my team persevered through challenges, are unforgettable. This is the spirit I believe the Braves can channel in their upcoming game against the Padres.
Conclusion
As the Braves prepare to face the Padres in a must-win game, the team must leverage their strengths and learn from past mistakes. With the right strategies, key players stepping up, and unwavering fan support, they have the potential to turn the series around and keep their championship aspirations alive.
