Maybin makes most of shot at redemption
ATLANTA -- Cameron Maybin once again displayed his accountability and professionalism when he said that he was embarrassed that he had put his Braves teammates in a position where they nearly lost the opportunity to conquer Max Scherzer and the Nationals.
Maybin's inability to secure Bryce Harper's sharp liner to begin the seventh inning resulted in a double and led to a run that erased the possibility of Manny Banuelos earning a win in his Major League debut. But two innings later, the center fielder delivered the fortune-filled walk-off single that doomed Scherzer and provided the Braves a 2-1 win over the Nationals.
Video: Must C Clutch: Maybin gets to Scherzer for walk-off
"I feel like we shouldn't have even been in that situation," Maybin said. "I got a good jump on the [Harper line drive], and I feel like I should have caught it. I feel like we shouldn't have even been in that situation. It's one of things where you've got to keep going."
Video: WSH@ATL: Harper leads off 7th with double to center
After the Nationals tied the game with Wilson Ramos' seventh-inning RBI single off David Aardsma, the Braves did what they could to break through against Scherzer in the ninth inning. Pedro Ciriaco began the frame with an infield single and advanced to second base on Jace Peterson's sacrifice bunt.
This set the stage for Maybin, who has batted .391 with runners in scoring position this season. The rejuvenated outfielder took advantage of the situation by bouncing his game-winner above Yunel Escobar's reach and the third-base bag.
Nationals manager Matt Williams contested third-base umpire C.B. Bucknor's ruling, but the play was not reviewed because the ruling occurred in front of the bag.
"I thought it was fair at first," Maybin said. "I thought it was a lucky bounce. It was just one of those situations where they're going to want to get it reviewed. But that's the name of the game. I'll definitely take it."