|
 The approach paid off in the sixth inning when the Chicago Cubs
catcher laced a first-pitch double to deep right-center to score
third baseman Kris Bryant for a one-run lead.
The Cubs went on to a 5-3 victory over the Braves and their 27th
come-from-behind win of the season.
"Miller was doing a good job and he was ahead on the hitters," said
Montero, who went 2-for-4 on the afternoon. "So you get ready to hit
that first pitch, that first strike, and we were able to go from
there."
Just before Montero's appearance, Bryant also sliced a first-pitch
double that scored first baseman Anthony Rizzo to tie the game.
Right-handed reliever Jason Motte (8-1) worked a scoreless sixth for
the victory.
Right-handed reliever Hector Rondon put two runners on in the ninth
but none scored en route to his 22nd save.
The right-handed Miller (5-10) worked 6 1/3 innings, took the loss
and has now gone 17 consecutive starts without a victory.
"Miller was good, you could go down to that we didn't handle the
baseball and we were not very good with runners in scoring
position," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We had them on the
ropes in the first two innings and he made some good pitches. He had
some off speed stuff, low in the strike zone, and we didn't add on.
That was basically the game."
Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks settled for a no-decision after he
pitched five innings and left trailing 3-1.
The victory was the second straight for Chicago (69-51), while
Atlanta (53-69) suffered its fifth consecutive loss.
The Braves jumped ahead in the first after two singles, a double
steal and a fielder's choice RBI grounder by first baseman Freddie
Freeman brought home right fielder Nick Markakis.
Markakis outraced a throw from Rizzo to Montero to score.
But the Cubs caught a break as just one run tallied.
"That was huge, that was absolutely necessary right there to get out
of that with only one run," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "I even
liked Rizzo's attempt at home plate. That was really quick thinking,
It was a close play. I liked it."
Cubs second baseman Chris Coghlan's forced a 1-1 tie in the bottom
of the inning with a two-out solo home run to left. It was his 15th
homer of the season and second in four days.
Atlanta scored twice in the fourth after two out for a 3-1 lead when
Markakis doubled to deep center to deliver third baseman Pedro
Ciriaco and shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
[to top of second column] |
Hendricks was pulled in the fifth for pinch hitter Chris Denorfia,
who grounded into a fielder's choice to score Montero and trim the
Braves lead to 3-2.
Hendricks gave up three runs on seven hits, walked one and struck
out seven in his five-inning outing.
Rizzo walked to open the sixth and the game abruptly turned on
Miller's next two pitches.
Bryant doubled to the left field corner on a first pitch and brought
home Rizzo for a 3-3 tie. Montero then dropped a first pitch
two-base hit into right center that scored Bryant for a one-run
lead.
Miller departed for left-handed reliever Ross Detwiler with one out
in the seventh and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell perched on third.
Pinch hitter Starlin Castro reached on an error and Rizzo sliced a
two-out single to right to score Russell for a 5-3 lead.
Miller gave up five runs (three earned) on six hits in 6 1/3 innings
while striking out eight and walking four. Miller's last victory
came on May 17, a 6-0 complete game triumph at Miami.
NOTES: Cuban prospect 3B Hector Olivera reportedly will make his
major league debut with Atlanta as early as next week. Acquired in a
three-team deal with the Dodgers and Marlins late last month,
Olivera could be in the lineup on Monday when Atlanta opens a
nine-game home stand. ... Braves SS Andrelton Simmons had been
involved with a major-league-leading 88 double plays through
Thursday and owned baseball's top fielding percentage (.994). ...
Atlanta sends RHP Williams Perez (4-4, 4.34 ERA) against Chicago RHP
Dan Haren (8-8, 3.63 ERA) in Saturday's game. Haren, acquired on
July 31 from Miami, makes his fourth Cubs start. ... Cubs RHP Jake
Arrieta became the first major league pitcher to 15 wins this season
with Thursday's 7-1 win over the Braves. His 12 straight quality
starts are the most since Greg Maddux had 14 between June 25 and
Aug. 31, 1992.
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
