When Matt Wisler needed it the most, the Braves’ offense was not there. Unfortunately, this has been a recurring theme throughout the 2016 season.
In a 4-0 loss against the San Francisco Giants, Wisler was in control. He went seven innings and scattered four hits. He was charged with a loss after allowing three earned runs.
However, his offense wasn’t behind him. Only catcher Tyler Flowers reached base and that came on a walk and a single. In a disappointing effort, Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said it was tough to waste a good outing.
“He pitched a lot better than what his line did,” Snitker said. “He was a lot better than what it showed. It just a shame that we couldn’t put a few runs up for him there.”
Those results were certainly frustrating. Yet, Snitker played a role in the outcome. He took Wisler out of the game after 79 pitches. He said the reason was matchup-based.
However, those changes backfired.
“It was second and third with nobody out and we were in trouble,” Snitker said. “I was trying to match it up and you know a sac fly, bloop over the infield and a safety squeeze. I was trying to do anything to cut off everything they were trying to do.
The Giants capitalized and scored three runs off the Braves bullpen. It ended any chance for a comeback and gave Wisler another consistent outing without any help.
“Nothing big happened (in the eighth) but still he got those runs allowed,” outfielder Ender Inciarte said. “He’s been very consistent from the beginning, and hopefully all of us are going to start putting together good plate appearances and score more runs for our pitchers.”
Coming into the game, Wisler was pitching well. He was 2-4 and had a 3.08 ERA. He also had command as he struck out 46 batters and issued only 15 walks. That same trend continued against the Giants.
Wisler had command of his sinker. It was a pitch that he worked on earlier this week in bullpen sessions. Flowers was confident with the pitch. He said the game plan was to keep the left-handed hitters in check.
“He had very electric stuff today and pretty good command of his sinker armside,” Flowers said. “With all those lefties in there today, his off-speed was there as usual to keep guys away.”
For Wisler, he was proud of his performance. He felt that some pitches got away from him, including a single to opposing pitcher Jake Peavy.
“Overall I felt good, that was probably the best I felt all year,” Wisler said. “I had good slider command today and threw it for strikes and balls when I needed to. Overall I was happy with the outing. Just frustrated with the results in the eighth.”
Those results are similar to ones that have haunted the Braves all season. At 15-36, they let another game slip away at home. The pitching has been solid, however, the lineup has been non-existent. Snitker knows it and hopes they can turn it around.
“It was an overall good performance by Matt,” Snitker said. “I wish we would’ve scored three or four runs and who knows, we could’ve taken advantage of it.”
The Braves will have another opportunity Wednesday night in the third game of the series.
