Another postseason dud for Fried when Braves need him most

HOUSTON (AP) — Max Fried was pitching like the lefty ace he has been most of this season for the Atlanta Braves, retiring 10 batters in a row in his first World Series start.

The only problem was that it came after a horrendous four-run second inning that put the Houston Astros ahead to stay, and sent Fried to his second consecutive loss at a time when the Braves really need him the most.

Overall, it was another postseason dud for Fried.

“Obviously, I’m not happy about it. Playoffs is a big momentum game," Fried said. “You've got to do everything you can to keep the crooked number off the scoreboard.”

With a chance to send Atlanta home with a 2-0 lead in its first World Series since 1999, Fried instead allowed six runs and seven hits while pitching into the sixth inning of a 7-2 loss Wednesday night. He did strike out six with only one walk.

It came six days after Fried gave up five runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in a potential NL Championship Series clincher in Game 5. That instead became an 11-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers and pushed back another two days the Braves clinching the National League pennant.

That was the first time since June 1 that Fried didn't make it past the fifth inning. Now he has losing decisions in consecutive games for only the second time all year — he lost his final two starts in July before a dominating finish to the regular season, and a solid start to these playoffs.

The Braves had won 6-2 in Game 1 on Tuesday night, getting 6 2/3 solid innings from their bullpen after starter Charlie Morton was struck by a comebacker and suffered a broken right fibula. Morton is done for the series.

“That’s terrific for him to be able to get into the sixth there, especially after they were able to score the runs they did,” catcher Travis...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Another-postseason-dud-for-Fried-when-Braves-need-16570340.php