ATL ReKap: A Hat-Trick Debut for Atlanta United, Braves Face Setback, Falcons' Offseason Moves

Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to another blog on ATL ReKap.

I hope you all had a wonderful week as we close it out. Tonight's blog will be special as I am writing my first blog covering Atlanta United! Now let’s dive straight into it!

Atlanta United

Tonight, Atlanta United faced the New England Revolution on Opening Day at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his first MLS hat trick to propel Atlanta United to a 4-1 win. Thiago Almada also scored for Atlanta (1-1-0, 3 points). Carles Gil scored the lone reply for the Revolution, who remain without a point after three games. As the first half progressed, Atlanta found its game and started to take over. The home side finally connected in the second minute of stoppage time when Almada got Henrich Ravas to dive the wrong way on a penalty to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. Giakoumakis doubled Atlanta's lead in the 55th minute on another penalty kick and pushed it to 3-0 five minutes later on a header from the top of the 6-yard box. Giakoumakis completed his hat trick in the 74th minute with a spectacular left-footed strike into the top corner from a tight angle after Almada's blocked shot deflected into his path. The United had nine shots on the goal tonight, 21 shot attempts, 15 fouls, three corner kicks, and four saves as a team. The Atlanta United are set to face the Orlando City SC in a Southeast matchup next Sunday at 7:00 PM. Stay tuned after the game for a recap!

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves faced the Baltimore Orioles in a matchup at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, as the Braves unfortunately fell short to the Orioles 10-3. The new addition to the rotation, Chris Sale took the mound this afternoon as he pitched three and two-thirds of an inning giving up four hits, three runs, one walk, and striking out two batters at the plate. This was not one of the best games I have seen from Sale, but I expect him to be one of the best in the rotation by Opening Day. Sale has shown that he is nearly impossible to hit off of when dealing with left-handed batters as he fits the ball right in the zone with the right amount of speed putting batters on their knees. Sale also forced a 6-4-3 double play in the second after the batter was forced to hit a ground ball straight to the shortstop. Former infielder, Charlie Culberson also took the mound this afternoon as he did not do the best of the two-thirds inning he pitched, but is starting to get the feel for pitching as he struck out one. Unfortunately, Culberson gave up a hit, four runs, and two walks.

Ozzie Albies leads the Braves off this afternoon with three at-bats, reaching the bases once. In the bottom of the third, Ozzie Albies is up to the plate as Eli White is in scoring position at second after he doubles on a line drive to left field. Albies makes contact with the ball ahead of the count 1-0, as it goes deep right-center field. The center fielder, blinded by the sun is not able to make a play as the ball gets lost in the light, bringing home White and Albies with an RBI double bringing the first run of the game for the Braves. In the fourth, reigning home run leader, Matt Olson leads the Braves off doubling on a line drive to right field. With Olson at second, Marcell Ozuna comes up to bat, who then singles on a soft fly ball to the right fielder putting the runner on both corners of the diamond. Travis d’Arnaud comes to hit as he grounds out in a double play, forcing Matt Olson to come home bringing the second run of the game for the Braves.

The bottom of the second started with Chadwick Tromp popping out to the second baseman, bringing Luke Waddell to the plate as he took a walk putting him at first. Landon Stephens, the left fielder, reaches on a fielder's choice, as there was an error at second, putting runners at first and second. Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. then singles on a line drive ball to center field bringing home Waddell for the final run of the game for the Braves. The Braves had a total of seven hits, as Eli White led with two, and Albies, Olson, Ryan Casteel, Ozuna, and Kilpatrick each with one. This was a game to learn from as pitchers should have more control over the ball rather than using up their energy on speed, instead of velocity which helps with direction. The 7-6 Braves are set to play Juan Soto and the 5-9 New York Yankees tomorrow in a matchup to see who takes the title of the MLB Team of America. A.J. Smith-Shawver is set to start for the Braves as he is on the top for the upcoming prospects for the Braves and I honestly love to watch him take on batters. Stay on the lookout tomorrow evening for a recap of the game!

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are re-signing LB Nate Landman, per the team. Landman was a great player on the team after LB Troy Andersen went down due to an injury. Landman led the team with tackles in multiple games and was an undrafted player as well. I am very excited to see what he can bring to the team for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The Falcons are also extending guard Ryan Neuzil to a one-year deal. Neuzil was an exclusive rights-free agent. Onto the QB position, the Falcons have shown interest in Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, and Bears QB Justin Fields. At the NFL Combine, the Falcons did discuss with the Bears front office as they were trying to close in on a deal with Justin Fields but no word has come yet regarding it since.