Maddux returns to Atlanta, throws out ceremonial first pitch

ATLANTA (AP) — Hall of Famer Greg Maddux threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Sunday night’s Game 5 of the World Series.

Maddux, wearing his Braves jersey, tipped his cap in response to an ovation from fans as he walked onto the field. Fittingly, he threw the pitch to Eddie Perez, who was often his designated catcher.

Perez, also a former Braves coach, now is a special advisor for player development for the team.

Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards for the Chicago Cubs and the Braves, including in 1995 when he posted a remarkable 19-2 record with a 1.63 ERA for Atlanta’s 1995 World Series champion team.

It was a rare Atlanta appearance for “Mad Dog” Maddux. The 55-year-old Maddux is the pitching coach for UNLV.

SLUMPING BREGMAN MOVES DOWN

Houston manager Dusty Baker moved struggling third baseman Alex Bregman down in his batting order.

Entering Game 5, Bregman had only one hit in 14 World Series at-bats (.071) with no homers and one RBI. He was hitting seventh. He was 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in Saturday’s night’s 3-2 loss while hitting third in Game 4.

Baker met with Bregman to discuss the move.

“He understood,” Baker said. “He went out and took extra BP and just trying to find his stroke. So he’s a team guy. There’s no problem with him moving.”

Baker said he hoped to move Bregman back up in a lineup with the designated hitter if the Series returns to Houston for Game 6.

PERFECT AT HOME

The Braves entered Game 5 of the World Series against Houston trying to extend one of their most impressive home postseason performances in team history.

Entering Sunday night's game, the Braves were 7-0 at home in the postseason, including wins in Games 3 and 4 of the World Series. It is their second-longest home...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Maddux-returns-to-Atlanta-throws-out-ceremonial-16580366.php