Horacio Vs Mets
July 07, 2003
What can you say about this pitching performance other than WOW! Horacio continues to amaze me this season. He came up huge for us in Florida going up against Dontrelle, matching him pitch for pitch. Tonight's game he should get all the glory and not have to split it with anyone!
Tonight was no different than that start against the marlins, he was just better. Horacio pitched his first ever complete game and it was the first complete game by a braves starter this season. With guys like Maddux, Ortiz, Hampton and Reynolds who could have imagine the Rookie Horacio Ramirez would complete that feat first! Maybe Horacio did. He is very confident about his pitching and you can see it when you watch him that's what makes him a great competitor.
Maddux said that " Horacio is no longer trying to stick around up here (the majors) he is trying to win, he is not afraid to compete". Who can argue with Maddux??
The Braves announcers started the game off by saying that Horacio's is sure of himself, calm and collective and that he knows how to pitch - and he showed it tonight!
Horacio retired 9 out of the first 10 batters he faced including 8 in a row. Horacio was helped by a 3 run homer in the first inning by Chipper so he probably went out in the bottom of the first inning relaxed but he never let the Mets hitters see that.
Horacio was outstanding for the full nine innings, earning him his first complete game as a Major Leaguer, (although I read later he had never pitched a complete game at any level) and the Braves first complete game this year. Horacio deserves more credit then he is given in the media but he doesn't appear to want all the spotlight either, which just makes me like him that much more. :)