After Michael Wacha’s solid start on July 27, something similar was expected in his start against the Braves last night. Sadly that was not the case as the 29-year-old pitcher gave up seven hits with five runs over four innings pitched.
Out of the 91 pitches, 35 were balls making his WHIP a tragic 2.25, which includes the two walks he allowed. Eventually, Wacha was relieved by Franklyn Kilome who was recalled from the alternate training site on July 31.
Wacha started off the game strong, striking out Ronald Acuna Jr. before Ozzie Albies flew out to left field. With two outs, everything seemed to go downhill from there when Wacha walked Freddie Freeman with Marcell Ozuna coming to the plate.
Ozuna then hit a 422-foot rocket of a two-run home run bringing Freeman in with him.
As Wacha stepped back to the mound for the second he let up a single to Dansby Swanson who was then brought in by a double from Tyler Flowers.
Flowers was then brought in by Acuna Jr., who was pushed home by Albies – who singled to center field as Wacha struggled to retire a batter for the last out.
Going into the third Wacha seemed to struggle a little at first, giving up a single to Dansby Swanson, but then managed to strike out the side without any further damage.
Despite the poor performance of Wacha, manager Luis Rojas does not feel that a team meeting is necessary even with the Mets struggling to get wins with 15% of the shortened season already played.
The majority of the issues seen in his outing on Saturday came from Wacha’s offspeed pitches – which are elite when he is able to execute them, but today he was unable to find his command, leading to the 7-1 loss with the offense unable to provide run support.
