Braves get a taste of victory over Giants
ATLANTA — Mike Foltynewicz is showing he can be more than just a fastball pitcher — and that he can be part of the Braves’ long-term rotation.
Foltynewicz continued his recent upswing by allowing only three hits and one run in six-plus innings, and Mallex Smith hit a threerun triple as Atlanta beat Jeff Samardzija and the San Francisco Giants 5-3 on Monday.
The Braves survived San Francisco’s two-run, ninth-inning rally. They have won three of four and are 5-21 at home, still easily the worst in the majors.
Foltynewicz (2-2) gave up a leadoff homer to Brandon Belt in the second inning but allowed only one other runner to advance to second.
Foltynewicz, 24, has had other recent strong starts, including eight scoreless innings in a 5-0 win May 14 at Kansas City. His start this time might have been his most impressive demonstration of altering the speeds of his fastball while mixing in a curveball and slider.
“Probably the best total package I’ve seen out of him,” Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said.
Foltynewicz showed he doesn’t have to throw his fastball at full velocity.
“It’s nice to know I don’t have to throw 97 all the time,” he said.
The Giants rallied against Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino in the ninth.
Brandon Crawford’s run-scoring single was the Giants’ third consecutive hit against Vizcaino. The closer struck out Jarrett Parker before second baseman Kelly Johnson bobbled pinch-hitter Buster Posey’s grounder, allowing another run to score. Kolby Tomlinson’s grounder to third base ended the game.
The Giants suffered only their third loss in their past 15 road games. Overall, it was San Francisco’s third loss in 18 games.
Samardzija (7-3) was looking for his fourth consecutive win as a starter for the first time in his career. The right-hander allowed five runs —four earned — and six hits and two walks in five innings. It was shortest start of the season.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said some calls on pitches went against Samardzija.
“I was getting frustrated,” Bochy said. “Some of those pitches looked pretty good.”
Samardzija said the start was “just kind of puzzling.”
Samardzija and the Giants paid for a decision to issue an intentional walk to A.J. Pierzynski, loading the bases with one out in the second. Samardzija struck out Foltynewicz, the No. 8 hitter, before Smith’s triple to the left-center gap. It was Smith’s third triple, and he ranks second on the team with 18 RBIs.
“I WAS GETTING FRUSTRATED. SOME OF THOSE PITCHES LOOKED PRETTY GOOD.”