NEW YORK (AP) – Lucas Sims is making his case to be in the Atlanta Braves rotation next season.
The rookie right-hander turned in his second strong performance since returning to the rotation, getting his first victory since Aug. 22 as the Braves beat the New York Mets 9-2 in the first game of a doubleheader Monday.
Sims allowed two runs and five hits over a career-high 6 2/3 innings. He’s given up three earned runs over his last two starts, covering 11 2/3 innings.
“He’s pitching with a lot of confidence,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s pitching like he’s trying to get you out.”
Sims (3-5), a first-round draft selection in 2012, used a sinker-slider mix to limit New York, allowing just five baserunners through six innings before tiring in the seventh. The Lawrenceville, Georgia, native also got his first major league hit, singling off Chris Flexen (3-5) leading off the sixth. He later scored on Markakis’ double.