Five earned runs and three homers later, it was apparent that Hanson still has a bit of polishing to do before his considerable skills translate into success at the big league level. When he makes his second career start on Friday against the Orioles in Baltimore, he hopes to put his rocky start behind him and earn his first career win.
After winning three in a row, the Braves have now dropped back-to-back games after losing to the Pirates, 3-1, on Thursday.
"I made a couple of mistakes last game," Hanson said. "I threw some pitches that got a little too much of the plate. I'm excited to get back out there."
Hanson's first three innings were straight out of general manger Frank Wren's wildest dreams. He retired the first nine Brewers he faced and struck out the side in the second inning. His sizzling fastball was burning the edges of the plate and he was pitching with the poise of a veteran.
However, the Brewers fared considerably better their second time through the order, and Hanson's debut went from a fairy tale to a learning experience.
Now, he gets to make his first start away from the hype and expectations of Turner Field when he takes the mound. Playing in Baltimore, he won't have to deal with an influx of friends and family and the stadium full of fans that had been following him for the past couple of years.
"I think it was the fact that it was the first game more than anything else," Hanson said. "I had my adrenaline going and I missed with a few pitches. I'm just going to go out there with the same game plan. I want to be just as aggressive."
Although Hanson's location and end result weren't what he desired, his stuff certainly impressed his manager on Sunday, although Braves manager Bobby Cox wasn't surprised.
"He has John Smoltz-type stuff," Cox said. "I wish we recorded his bullpen sessions in the spring. The things he did to the ball were unbelievable."
If the Braves' previous foray into Interleague Play this season is any indication, Hanson's debut should go smoothly. The Braves swept the Blue Jays on May 22-24 in their only other Interleague series of the season.
The Braves would like a strong road trip before the return for a difficult homestand. After hitting the road to face the O's, Reds and Red Sox, they return home to face the Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies.
To get back on track, they're going to need to get their streaky offense back in gear. In their past three games of the homestand with the Pirates, the Braves scored just six total runs.
"Maybe a DH will help us out by getting an extra hitter in there," said Braves third baseman Chipper Jones.
The Braves could use recently activated Barabaro Canizares or Garret Anderson as a designated hitter in Baltimore and Boston.
Tommy Hanson will go for for his first MLB win in just his second start Friday in Baltimore against the Orioles.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/6/221063