ATLANTA – Manager Fredi Gonzalez knows the Atlanta Braves don’t have much margin for error these days. The offense, starting pitchers, bullpen and defense rarely seem to be in sync.
That certainly was the case when second baseman Jace Peterson’s throwing error led to a pair of unearned runs against starter Shelby Miller.
“Not only did it cost us two runs, but it was also an extra 10 or 12 pitches that he’s got to throw to get out of that inning,” Gonzalez said. “Instead of going six innings, he could’ve probably gone seven or worked a little less than he did.”
A 4-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday was the Braves’ seventh defeat in eight games. Atlanta is a season-worst six games under .500 and seven games back in the NL East.
Jake Arrieta pitched seven dominant innings and Jorge Soler homered to help the Cubs win a series at Turner Field for the first time since Aug. 12-14, 2011.