Braves quotes after Tuesday’s win against Mets

Is this an example of keeping the line moving and taking advantage of opportunities?

“We did. We did some nice things offensively. We ran the bases. We stole three bases and I think a couple of those stolen bases created some runs. Nevertheless, we kept the line moving and put some big swings on with two outs. Good for us. I think the MVP of the team today is the bullpen. We covered 4 2/3 (innings) out of that bullpen today in a one-run game. That’s a pretty awesome night for us down there.”

Seems appropriate for Shae Simmons to get his first win in a situation when he comes in with two on

“I feel comfortable with him. I think we used him in the eighth inning at Philly in one of those games. And today we had to get some big outs in the fifth inning, and he did. He got two big outs. It’s his first win, so good for him.”

Is it a nice change to see all of the runs scored with two outs and not on home runs?

“We kept the line moving. Even Mike (Minor) got into the act with an RBI single with two outs. It was good to see those big hits.”

Are you seeing anything different with Minor (during his recent struggles)?

“You know what I saw today? He got on base and he started running around and I think — I haven’t talked to Mike about it, and we always try to pay attention to those pitchers when they get on base especially here in Atlanta — I think that got him a little bit in the fifth inning there. But I saw some really good pitches through the course of the game. I saw some good breaking balls. But, you know, go back out there in a couple days and get his work in in the bullpen, then run him back out.”

How much of a concern are the home runs Minor has allowed, if they are a concern?

“They are not a concern. Obviously you don’t want to give them up, especially to left-handed hitters with him being a left-hander. But that’s just leaving balls out over the plate.”

Did you have anybody else up when you brought Shae in, and did you know you wanted to bring him in first?

“He was the guy. I figured if we get in trouble that inning we need somebody who is going to get a punch out or a big out. He was the only guy up. We were hoping to get what we got, an inning and two-thirds.

Possible Tommy La Stella will play Wednesday after leaving the game with a bruised foot

“I think so. He got hit in the foot there. He wasn’t really moving (well). That one groundball in the seventh he almost fell catching it, and he came in and said, ‘I’m not really moving good.’ But he came in and got treatment. We will check with (trainer Jeff Porter) tomorrow. But let’s call it 50/50 that he plays.”

**ANDRELTON SIMMONS

On team getting two-out hits, stringing together base hits

“It’s about time. It’s starting to show a little bit, but we need to be more consistent with it.”

On winning while scoring runs without many homers recently

“Yeah, but it makes the game longer.” (Laughter) “No, but we’ve got to keep doing it, because the home runs are not going to be there every day. It’s nice to play small ball, steal bases, run the bases well first to third, hit-and-runs, it’s been working out pretty good.”

On rookie catcher Bethancourt

“You don’t even notice he hasn’t been back there for a while. He’s plugged himself in and just locked in. Guys are not shaking him off that much, so he’s putting the right fingers down. Runners are afraid to go. He’s been really good for the last couple of games for us.”

On bullpen coming through in a major way tonight

“They had a stretch where we wore them out, but they got a little rest and they showed that they’re ready to go again. They’ve been doing great.”

**MIKE MINOR

What was and wasn’t working for you tonight?

“I think one side of the plate was working for me. I think I was too one-sided and they started hitting that and sitting away most of the time. Two bad pitches and two home runs.”

Was the walk to Tejada in the fifth especially a problem after you had him down 0-2?

“I just think it was bad pitches tonight. Can’t give up two more home runs. I give up a home run it seems like every game now and it’s killing me. It’s just bad pitches right now.”

How do you move on from that?

“You just learn from it and try to do better next time. I’ve got at least probably 15 more starts, so that’s a good chunk of starts and get some wins and possibly help the team out.”

Did it feel good to get a hit and run the bases?

“Yeah, it felt good. That’s about the only thing I did well tonight. I felt good. I drove in Chris Johnson and I scored.”

On the job the bullpen did

“Yeah, it was great. Shae (Simmons) came in and I left him two guys on and still with two outs to get, but he closed the door. The rest of the guys, it’s the fifth inning and I’m diving out of there and those guys are picking me up.”

Early exits weren’t something that’s happened in the past with you

“Yeah, I felt even in my bad games I still got six (innings) at least. So right now it’s kind of frustrating just because I feel pretty good early on and then I have that one inning or two innings and then it’s pretty much give up the runs and I’m already at 100 pitches. I feel like I’m attacking guys. There were a couple long at-bats. I try to keep my walks down and attack guys.”

Is today a different feeling than the start in Houston?

“It’s more frustrating because the two (home run) pitches were really bad. In those situations with guys on and good hitters on I shouldn’t make those bad pitches. I feel like they should be lower and they were both off-speed pitches and they just weren’t executed. I think it’s more frustrating because I know the situation and I know how good those guys are.”

Do you look at this as just a bad stretch of starts?

“I still have confidence every time I go out. I feel like I’m going to dominate and I feel good and my stuff feels good. I think I showed that with the Nationals start. That was one of my best all year the way I felt, and I thought I was going to carry that over to the next few starts and it just so happens I didn’t.”