It took about a month, but the Braves took two of three from the Cubs in Chicago.
The Braves completed a 6-1 road trip with a 6-5 win over the Cubs Monday. The game was originally scheduled for April 15 but was postponed due to weather.
Jose Bautista hit a three-run homer and Tyler Flowers and Ozzie Albies homered. Julio Teheran gave the Braves six innings and despite allowing four runs, he out-pitched the opposing Jose Quintana, who allowed six runs in 4-2/3 innings.
Here’s what the Braves said after the win moved them 10 games over .500:
Manager Brian Snitker:
On the win:
“I looked over in the dugout to (hitting coach Kevin Seitzer) and said ‘God, this is fun’ in the ninth inning. But yeah, we took it right to the end. It was good to see Minter keep pitching. When he hit the guy I thought ‘oh no.’ Julio, the bullpen did a great job. I honestly didn’t think the scoring was going t (stop). I thought it was going to be a 13-12 game the way it started out. But just a good win.”
On A.J. Minter navigating bases loaded trouble to get save:
“It’s nice to see him get out of it. But you know, he just kept pitching. It didn’t phase him. I just love when those guys stay pitch-to-pitch, stay in the count and worry about the next pitch.”
On Jose Bautista’s bat:
“It’s better. As he gets timing and whatnot, he’s putting some at-bats together and we’ll see.”
On the 6-1 road trip:
“Any time you go on the road, you never know what will happen. This is a real positive road trip for the guys. They should feel good going home. They played some real positive baseball, won some really tough games on this road trip. It should give them a lot of confidence.”
Catcher Tyler Flowers:
On the offense and starter Julio Teheran:
“A lot of quality at-bats throughout the whole game, but especially against Quintana right out of the gate. It’s always nice to get him on the ropes a little bit, get a couple runs across and give Julio something to work with. Julio did a great job battling and didn’t have his best all day, but other than two bigger mistakes, found a way to get outs and make pitches at the right time.”
On Minter:
“Cheese. He got a little too giddy on a couple of them, where some cutters were backing up, but he brought it right back in. His demeanor out there even when he’s struggling and not hitting his spots, he’s the same guy on the mound. The same confidence, the same presence. That’s why one day he’s going to be in that role full-time.”
Closer A.J. Minter:
On getting to finish the game:
“There’s something about that ninth inning. Blood’s flowing, you try not to be too emotional on the mound.”
Did you think you’d close, considering Arodys Vizcaino pitched in two consecutive games?
“It crossed my mind. I’m here to help out Viz as much as I can. Whenever we can eliminate those three days in a row for Viz, I feel like it will help us in the long run.”
On the team’s success:
“You know what, this is the most fun a lot of us have had. It’s definitely fun, this locker room. Everyone’s rooting for each other instead of trying to fight for spots. We’re all behind each other’s back and trying to have a good time.”
Starter Julio Teheran:
On the game:
“I didn’t have my best, but I was able to bounce back after the guys gave me a couple runs. It was a team effort.”
On pitching up in the zone:
“I’m using more of my fastball. That’s making the difference now, using low in the zone and top of the zone. That’s been the key for the last couple outings. I didn’t have my best but the guys got me fired up after they scored. We came back and that’s when you know you have a team effort and team win.”
On winning, as opposed to the last few years:
“It’s been a long time, but we’re enjoying it. Taking every series, every game. Every time I get the ball I just try to do my job. Go out there and compete. The offense has been great. We’re playing great baseball right now.”
