Wilson Ramos’ two-out chopper led to a couple of defensive mistakes that spoiled Bud Norris’ otherwise impressive Braves debut and enabled the Nationals to complete a two-game season-opening sweep with a 3-1 win on Wednesday night at Turner Field.
Matt den Dekker capped Washington’s three-run seventh with a two-run double, but he would not have had the pinch-hit opportunity had the Braves not added to the defensive mistakes that cost them on Opening Day. Shortstop Erick Aybar grabbed Ramos’ chopper and made an off-balance and off-target throw to Freddie Freeman, who then saw his relay throw to prevent Ryan Zimmerman from scoring from second base elude catcher A.J. Pierzynski’s glove.
While Pierzynski’s fourth-inning single accounted for the only costly damage Stephen Strasburg sustained over six innings, Norris had allowed just one Nationals baserunner to reach second base before the seventh frame.
“[Norris] pitched tremendous,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “We didn’t make a play there, and they scored three runs. They should be all unearned runs, for me.”
Given that Norris posted a 6.79 ERA in the 11 starts he made before being released by the Orioles last year, the Braves took a gamble when they signed him to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in December. But the right-hander made a good first impression as he limited the Nationals to four hits before his defense squandered the effort and a 1-0 lead.
In his first start of the season, Strasburg pitched six innings, allowed one run on six hits and struck out four batters. He also put himself in the record books by becoming the all-time club leader in strikeouts with 905. Strasburg struck out Norris in the third inning to break the record set by Jordan Zimmermann.
Matt Wisler will make his season debut when Atlanta begins a three-game series against the Cardinals on Friday at 6:35 p.m. CT. Wisler refined his changeup with Hall of Famer Tom Glavine’s assistance this past winter and impressed Atlanta’s coaches with the enhanced mound presence he showed during Spring Training. Thunder Radio will bring you the broadcast of that game beginning at 6:20 on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.
