Smoltz Backs Up Words With Save in First Try

Tom Glavine had heard it before.

John Smoltz had repeatedly told his Atlanta Brave teammate that he wanted to pitch in relief during the postseason if needed.

On Wednesday, Smoltz was needed.

The right-hander earned his first save in the first relief appearance of his career, closing the Braves’ 4-3 victory over the New York Mets in Game 2 of the National League championship series.

Smoltz pitched a perfect ninth inning to help the Braves take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. To hear Glavine tell it, it’s about time Smoltz provided some relief.

“I’ve been hearing for the last few years that he would pitch out of the bullpen if he ever got a chance, and today he got his chance,” said Glavine, scheduled to start Game 3 at New York on Friday. “He’s a great athlete, he’s capable of doing a lot of things, and he did a pretty darn good job.”

That was the plan.

Manager Bobby Cox used Smoltz--the major leagues’ all-time leader in postseason victories--because he’s trying to end this series as soon as possible. Closer John Rocker worked two-thirds of an inning Wednesday after pitching 1 1/3 innings in Game 1 on Tuesday.

Smoltz is scheduled to start Game 4. He told Cox he could pitch an inning Wednesday and still start Saturday, and Cox accepted the offer.

“I had made my mind up he would pitch one inning or part of one,” said Cox, who used starters Greg Maddux and Kevin Millwood in relief during Game 3 of the division series against the Houston Astros. “I knew I had him in my hip pocket.”

Said Smoltz: “I didn’t even know what do to [entering from the bullpen in the ninth]. I didn’t know whether to walk or run.”

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The Braves continued to express disappointment about poor attendance at Turner Field during the series.

Wednesday’s Game 2 crowd was announced at 44,624 in a ballpark that seats more than 50,000. The opening-game crowd was announced at 44,172, and Wednesday’s crowd appeared smaller.

Of course, that has been the pattern for several seasons.

Atlantans have become accustomed to the Braves qualifying for the postseason during their decade-long National League dominance.

The last few seasons, fans have taken a wait-and-see approach toward the playoffs. Championship series tickets are expensive--$45 and $65.

Players said they understand that fans expect excellence, but they would appreciate more support earlier in the postseason.

“I’ll tell you, it’s surprising,” said right fielder Brian Jordan, who hit a two-run home run in the Braves’ 4-3 Game 2 victory. “I’ve been spoiled because I’ve been in St. Louis for the [previous] six years, and they’re true baseball fans. Win, lose or draw, they’re always there.

“To come here and to be in a postseason, and not to have a sellout crowd, that’s surprising. I know they are used to the Atlanta Braves winning, but I’m disappointed. I think they [the fans] should be here.”

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The Braves announced that they have hired Frank Wren, recently fired as Baltimore Oriole general manager, as vice president and assistant general manager to John Schuerholz. Wren replaces Dean Taylor, who recently became general manager of the Brewers.

The Braves also announced they have given left-handed relief pitcher Mike Remlinger a two-year contract extension with a club option on a third year.