Braves chase Norris early, beat the Blue Jays 5-2

Sunday afternoon in the rubber match the Blue Jays sent Daniel Norris to the mound. Atlanta trying to avoid a series loss countered with Shelby Miller.

Cameron Maybin started off the game with a lead off single. With the runner in motion Daniel Norris and Russell Martin were able to turn a strike’em out throw’em out double play. Struggling with command a bit Daniel Norris surrendered a single, double, and a walk to load up the bases with two outs. Jonny Gomes was able to hit a bases clearing double off of Dalton Pompey‘s glove giving Atlanta a quick 3-0 lead.

Devon Travis led off the Jays by being hit by a pitch. He reluctantly left the game after realizing how much his ribs hurt. Steven Tolleson replaced him at first base as a pinch runner. Jose Bautista walked and created a 1st and 2nd with one out for Edwin Encarnacion. Shelby Miller was able to induce a ground ball and the Braves infield turned a double play to end the inning.

In the 3rd inning Freddie Freeman was issues a walk off of Daniel Norris. Chris Johnson hit a single to center field. Dalton Pompey tried to pick off Freddie Freeman going 1st to 3rd on the single. Dalton air mailed the throw to 3rd allowing Freeman to score. Chris Johnson advanced to 3rd base on the play. Jonny Gomes hit a sac fly to left field giving the Braves a 5-0 lead and ending Daniel Norris’ day on the mound. Marco Estrada came in relief to end the inning.

Ryan Goins led off the bottom of the 3rd with an infield single. Steven Tolleson hit into a fielder`s choice to get the first out. Then, like a broken record Shelby Miller induced yet another double play.

The Jays finally got to Shelby Miller in the bottom of the 6th. Jose Bautista walked and Edwin Encarnacion hit a single. Both came in to score on Russell Martin`s double. Justin Smoak kept the inning alive with a walk but Kevin Pillar couldn`t continue the inning and flied out to left. The bats finally came alive and narrowed the Braves lead to 5-2.

Game Notes:

• Daniel Norris had a quick outing. He was able to last only 2.2 innings and allowed far too many base runners. Today ballooned his WHIP to 1.58 and ERA to 6.08. Not a good day for the youngster.
• Marco Estrada had a good day at the office with 1.1 innings of scoreless ball in relief of Norris.
• Jeff Francis made his Blue Jays debut and did not disappoint. He went 3.1 innings and didn`t give up a run.
• The offense left 6 on base and hit into double plays to deflate any momentum.
• Russell Martin showed his defense with a pick off move and catching a would be base stealer.

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