Braves quotes after their 3-2 victory over the Brewers in 11 innings.
FREDI GONZALEZ
On the game
There was so many great stuff in that game. Fundamentally sound, both teams really, there was some good stuff happening: a 1-2-3 double play, a 3-6-3 double play late in the game with the winning run on first base. The play with (Andrelton) Simmons, Nicky (Nick Markakis) hist the cut-off man and Simmons, we always talk about the nose for the ball, he’s always looking for the outs. He spins and turns and Freeman gets the guy. We get out of that inning and instead of it being first and third and two outs we get a chance to extend the game. ‘Petey’ (Jace Peterson) there, at the end—good at-bats throughout the game, really. We did a nice job, Simmons had a great at-bat and umpire gets hit with the ball and instead of getting second and third with the possibility of winning there it doesn’t happen. Petey had a great at-bat. First pitch, got him, base hit. When you play that long, especially at home, it’s always nice to get the win.
On Shelby Miller not having best stuff but battling
He competes. He got himself in that bases-loaded situation and fundamentally he got that 1-2-3 double play. You are absolutely right, today he wasn't as sharp as we've seen him. Obviously anything less than complete game or a two-hit shutout it's not as good, but we'll take it. He battled today. Everybody (did). Our bullpen was terrific and we got the run there at the end.
On Miller getting the offense started with a double
He got a base hit there, ended up scoring a run. We end up tying the game in that inning. Those good pitchers, they help themselves out in a number of ways. Shelby did that today offensively with the bat, defensively with the double play and he holds runners well.
On the 3-6-3 double play in the sixth
That’s not an easy play. I think early on in the month we had the same play and he (Freddie Freeman) tagged the (runner). He came in dugout and said, I almost did it again. Between him and Simmons that might be the best 3-6-3 or 3-6-1 double-play combo in the major leagues. Both of those guys have great arms. They don’t have to try to speed it up and they are accurate as hell. That’s why Simmons has won the Gold Glove a couple times and Simmons should be considered at the end of the year.
On Cameron Maybin
A lot of good stuff. We moved him up to the two hole. He’s getting the base hit and he’s getting some stuff going. It’s hard to pinpoint one guy, really, because a lot of good stuff happened throughout the lineup.
FREDDIE FREEMAN
On the defense
It’s awfully important in a pitching duel like that. Shelby was awesome, the bullpen was awesome and Jace started the game with a hit and ended the game with a hit.
On Shelby Miller grinding without his best stuff
If he didn’t have his best stuff and he gives up two runs, I think that’s a pretty good day. He’s been doing that all year. He’s pitching like a Cy Young winner and hopefully he can keep doing it.
On the defensive plays
The pitching staff kept us in the game and we played with them. At least the game lasted long enough for us to get the last run.
On the 3-6-3 double play
You just want to catch the ball and make sure you make a good throw. Just get it in the center to Simmons and he will catch it and get it back to you. The play is fun.
SHELBY MILLER
On if it was more of a grind today
It’s always a grind. I didn’t have my best stuff today but my teammates did a good job hanging in there with me and making some good plays. A.J. (Pierzynski) did a good job behind the plate. I didn’t have my sharpest stuff but, at the same time, just try to go out there every inning and battle and put up zeros. At the end of the day we got a win and that’s the most important thing.
On chipping in with his bat
It’s nice to do that. First hit of the season. We take hitting serious and we really work on it and at the end of the day sometimes it can win ballgames like it did today. That’s why we take pride in that kind of stuff. It’s not just pitching. Are we as good as our hitters? No, not even close, but that one hit here and there can eventually help you win.
On the defense
Defense played great, bullpen came in and did a hell of a job, got us out of some jams, which was huge. We got out of key jams throughout this game because of our defense. You tip your cap to them. Jace is the man of the hour, good for him on the walk off. I couldn’t be more proud of him.
On his emotions after getting the double play in the sixth
Huge. I was pumped up. That was a big pitch. Roger (McDowell) came out and talked to me about if you get a come-backer, go to home with it. First pitch we got it and got out of that jam.
JACE PETERSON
On hitting first pitch against Brandon Kintzler
I was trying to be aggressive, trying to get a fastball. He threw it first pitch so I was just trying to get a base hit and try to get the run out.
On if his teammates got him after his hit
Yeah they did, man. It was great, man. That was probably one of the funnest times playing baseball, for sure. It was awesome.
On what his teammates did to him
Dirt all over me, obviously. Water. Just celebrated, really. It was awesome.
On if it was better feeling than his grand slam
First home run, first walk-off—they’re both great. It’s awesome to have both. I don’t know if one is better than the other. I will take either one any day.
