04-09-2003, 11:56 PM
Maddux gives up seven runs in 5 2/3 innings
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- As far as Greg Maddux is concerned, it's all a matter of location.
Maddux was hit hard for the third straight start, and Pat Burrell and Jim Thome each homered twice and drove in five runs to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the Atlanta Braves 16-2 Wednesday night.
"My location is terrible,'' Maddux said. "When that happens, it's tough to pitch. I feel bad for the guys behind me.''
Maddux (0-3) is off to his worst start since 1989, when he also lost his first three decisions for the Chicago Cubs.
The four-time Cy Young winner has now allowed 18 earned runs and 30 hits in 14 2/3 innings, leaving him with an 11.05 ERA. In his last outing, the Marlins pounded him 17-1 Saturday night.
Maddux was touched for 10 runs, seven earned, and 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven, but walked three and made a throwing error, a rare mistake for the Gold Glover.
"Physically I feel fine,'' added Maddux. "I'm just not throwing the ball where I'm trying to throw it and they're not missing.''
Braves manager Bobby Cox didn't appear to be too concerned about his ace.
"Maddux made a tremendous amount of great pitches,'' Cox explained. "He made some bad ones.''
Phillies manager Larry Bowa agreed with Cox.
"(Maddux) is going to be all right,'' Bowa said. "He had a lot of decent pitches. He had great movement. It was just his location.''
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- As far as Greg Maddux is concerned, it's all a matter of location.
Maddux was hit hard for the third straight start, and Pat Burrell and Jim Thome each homered twice and drove in five runs to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the Atlanta Braves 16-2 Wednesday night.
"My location is terrible,'' Maddux said. "When that happens, it's tough to pitch. I feel bad for the guys behind me.''
Maddux (0-3) is off to his worst start since 1989, when he also lost his first three decisions for the Chicago Cubs.
The four-time Cy Young winner has now allowed 18 earned runs and 30 hits in 14 2/3 innings, leaving him with an 11.05 ERA. In his last outing, the Marlins pounded him 17-1 Saturday night.
Maddux was touched for 10 runs, seven earned, and 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven, but walked three and made a throwing error, a rare mistake for the Gold Glover.
"Physically I feel fine,'' added Maddux. "I'm just not throwing the ball where I'm trying to throw it and they're not missing.''
Braves manager Bobby Cox didn't appear to be too concerned about his ace.
"Maddux made a tremendous amount of great pitches,'' Cox explained. "He made some bad ones.''
Phillies manager Larry Bowa agreed with Cox.
"(Maddux) is going to be all right,'' Bowa said. "He had a lot of decent pitches. He had great movement. It was just his location.''
