Adam Ulrey's Montreal Expos Diary

July 12, 2002 - Game 89
Mateo's error costs Expos as they lose 8-3 to Braves 

Montreal Expos manager Frank Robinson wasn't cutting rookie Henry Mateo any slack for a costly mistake. Mateo, making his first start of the season in place of Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera, made a three-base throwing error in the ninth inning Friday night that sent the Atlanta Braves to the 8-3 victory over the Expos.

"It's tough on him - it's tough on us," Robinson said. "We're not missing the tough plays. We're not making the routine plays and that costs us ballgames."

The Braves lost starter Greg Maddux after five innings when he aggravated a calf injury, but not before he dazzled the Expos hitters, giving up just two hits and one run. He struck out five and lowered his ERA to 2.76. Mike Remlinger, who made the All-Star team, came on in the eighth to pick up his seventh win against no losses.

Tomo Ohka pitched a beautiful game, but was let down by his bullpen. He went seven innings giving up just seven hits and one run, but watched in horror as T.J. Tucker and closer Scott Stewart got hammered giving up seven runs in 1 1/3. Ohka deserved better as he had the Braves off-balance all game long. Gary Sheffield again was part of the come back, hitting his 17th homer of the year off of Tucker with one aboard. The Expos could only manage four hits as Andres Galarraga had two hits and an RBI and Vladimir Guerrero hit his 22nd of the year.

The loss left the Expos 11 1/2 games back and they are fading fast. They are also 6 games back in the wild card race. They hope that the addition of Floyd will help get their offense jump-started.