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World Series: Braves Take 2-0 Lead Over Indians as Hargrove's Pitching Decisions Go Against Him

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Atlanta Braves have taken a 2-0 lead in the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians 4-3 in Game 2. Manager Mike Hargrove's decisions to keep starting pitchers Orel Hershiser and Dennis Martinez in the game for too long have backfired, leading to crucial runs for the Braves. Despite the loss, Hargrove remains confident in his approach, citing his own instincts as the reason for his decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Braves' victory was sparked by Javier Lopez's two-run homer in the sixth inning off Dennis Martinez, which gave Atlanta the lead for good.
  • Hargrove's decision to send Martinez back out for three more batters after he had walked two batters and loaded the bases was a costly mistake, as Lopez hit a two-run homer on the next pitch.
  • The Indians' bullpen has been nearly flawless, but Hargrove's handling of his starters has been a major issue in the series.
  • The Braves' Tom Glavine struggled with his control through six innings but managed to earn the win.
  • Kenny Lofton stole his third and fourth bases of the Series last night, while the Atlanta pitchers continue to struggle with holding him on.
  • The Atlanta pitchers are having trouble holding Lofton on, and the Atlanta catchers have yet to come close to throwing him out.
  • The Braves' Martinez, 40, and Tony Pena, 38, became the oldest starting battery in World Series history in Game 2.

Statistics:

  • The Braves have taken a 2-0 lead in the World Series.
  • The Indians have now lost six World Series games in a row, including the two this year.
  • Cleveland's last World Series win came against the Boston Braves in 1948.
  • The Braves' Tom Glavine struggled with his control through six innings, walking three batters.
  • Javier Lopez's two-run homer in the sixth inning off Dennis Martinez was the game-winner.
  • Dennis Martinez walked two batters and loaded the bases in the sixth inning, but Hargrove left him in.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • Atlanta Braves
  • Cleveland Indians

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