Braves' John Smoltz Makes History

The long-time rivals Atlanta Braves and New York Mets made history Thursday.

John Smoltz manages to pull in his 200^th career wins, cementing his spot in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. Smoltz, with his 2-1 victory over the Mets, became one of the pitchers to win 200 games, which is a feat in and of itself. However, what is really amazing is the fact that Smoltz has been not only a starting pitcher, but also a closer. With that, Smoltz has become the only pitcher in history to secure 200 wins and 150 saves. That is what was really amazing about tonight.

Smoltz had it rough as he had to pitch against the New York Mets, who lead the National League East Division, but he also had to pitch against former teammate Tom Glavine. Three of the Braves best pitchers were on the 1995 World Series team. John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux have all joined the great ranks of 200 plus win pitchers while pitching on the mound at Turner Field. Smoltz also secured his first win against the New York Mets. It is very coincidental that he gains his 200^th win against the same club, and against former teammate Tom Glavine.

The end of the game came with two outs and a runner on third base. Jose Reyes was batting, and with his speed, even a 2-out bunt becomes a possible loss or no decision. Bob Wickman, however, used his great pitching arsenal to pop Reyes up with an infield fly ball. Braves' shortstop Edgar Renteria easily gloved this pop fly, securing Smoltz's historical 200^th win.

The Mets' only run came in the top of the 9^th inning, which was their only chance to come back. The Braves ended up scoring in the first and second inning, including a sacrifice fly from Jeff Francoeur, and a solo homerun from Matt Diaz.

This was the 4^th time this season that Smoltz has pitched against Glavine, and Smoltz has won three with an earned run average of 3.16 against Glavine. The other was also a Braves win, but a no decision went to Smoltz.