Had to leave after about the 4th or 5th inning assured of a win, given the lead. Came home and didn't look up the score but just read this thread first. Told me all I needed to know. All the answers are self contained.
Relievers who cannot throw strikes are next to worthless. Any reliever exceeding 20 pitches in an inning is treading on really thin ice. Any reliever brought out for a second inning is like tossing dynamite sticks to kids. A reliever who consistently throws curve balls (Barnes/Workman) will not be consistent , low pitch count out getters.
Barnes throwing 36 pitches to get 2 outs is on Barnes first and Cora second. I personally have disliked Barnes as a key reliever for the last 2 seasons. He can post all the numbers you want to support him with but a more gutless wonder I have never followed.. Brasier needs to be studied from the scrap heap he came from, the Japanese League. His contribution last year was like several on this team who played way over their pay grades and won a stunning championship. As Steven A. Smith says, "Happy Birthday, Good Luck, I don't care !".
Just check it out, when the pitch count exceeds 20, the majority of the time the reliever fails. Today was a wasted effort where Brian Johnson gave you a 5 inning gift and then 4 guys in the pen, including Shawaryn blew it big time. Barnes with 2 losses and 5 blown saves, as a veteran reliever, in less than a half season is the primary culprit. Brasier is a nobody and should never be expected to be a winner.