Tuesday, August 08, 2000
Chipper laments the one that got away
By JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer
Chipper Jones had a stunned look as he tried to explain the throw that cost the Atlanta Braves a game.
The Reds were one out away from being shut out for the first time this season. Chris Stynes hit a routine grounder to the All-Star third baseman. He had plenty of time to set and throw.
Game's over? Uh-uh. It was just getting interesting.
Jones bounced his throw to first for an error that opened the way for a tying rally, and Dante Bichette singled home the winning run in the 10th for a 3-2 victory Monday that was hard to explain.
“I still don't know what happened,” Jones said. “The ball just sunk. That's what makes it so hard to swallow. The game's over, a 2-0 win. Mark it down.”
Greg Maddux had allowed only six hits in 7 1-3 innings, but tired on the humid evening and had a sore foot, nicked by Pokey Reese's grounder in the second.
“I know when I'm done and I was done,” Maddux said. “We're trying to win. They probably would have scored more than two runs if I was in there.”
The Braves wasted a chance in the 10th when former Brave Mark Wohlers, who got the final out in their 1995 World Series win over Cleveland, gave up a double and a walk. Scott Sullivan (2-4) pitched out of the threat.
That led to the game's big dispute.
Chris Sexton opened the Reds' 10th against Kerry Ligtenberg (2-2) by hitting a slicing foul into the right-field corner. Brian Jordan caught the ball, but first base umpire Angel Hernandez ruled it first bounced off the padding — a foul ball.
“I caught it. He should have been out,” Jordan said. “If it would have it the wall, it would have ricocheted back and hit me in the chest.”
Manager Bobby Cox went out to argue, but lost. On the next pitch, Sexton singled in front of Jordan.
“We blew it, that's all,” Cox said.
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Chipper laments the one that got away
