The Braves’ Arizona Fall League contingent got another look on Friday, and Glendale’s night had a little of everything: a rough start on the mound, a clean finish from the bullpen, and a timely knock from Owen Carey.
Glendale River Dogs fell 13-9 to the Salt River Rafters, but Carey helped get them moving early. With two outs in the top of the second, he lined a single into right centerfield to bring home a run and pull the game even at 1-1.
The biggest story for Glendale, though, was the start from Briggs McKenzie. Making his second outing of the postseason, the left-hander ran into serious trouble.
After a first start last week that was solid despite some command issues, McKenzie was hit for eight runs, seven earned, on eight hits and two walks. He was removed with two outs in the third inning.
Even with the ugly line, there were still some encouraging underlying numbers. McKenzie produced seven whiffs overall, including four on his fastball, which came out to a 33.3% whiff rate. The problem was location: too many changeups and sliders stayed up in the zone, a tough place for a pitcher who needs his fastball working up there to make everything else play.
Given that he hadn’t pitched since late June, this could just be a one-off hiccup. His next start should tell a lot more.
There was at least a bright spot in relief. Tyler LaPorte handled the final inning for Glendale, struck out two, and kept the frame clean. Through his AFL run, he still hasn’t allowed a run.
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Braves Prospect Tate Southisene Is Finally Back But One Problem Remains
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Isaiah Drake offered one of the brighter spots with an RBI single in a 1-for-4 effort, and the bullpen pieced together innings from Owen Hackman, Logan Samuels and Tanner Bauman. The back end of the game still slipped away, though, and for a club already short on momentum, the larger concern now is how quickly Southisene can shake off the rust and settle back in. [Read more 🡒]