Good evening, everyone, and welcome back to another blog on ATL ReKap! I hope you all had a wonderful day as we near the end of the week. Today was a fantastic day for Braves fans as our team finally snapped their five-game losing streak with a much-needed win. Let’s dive into the details of today’s game!
Atlanta Braves
This afternoon, the Braves faced the Baltimore Orioles in the series finale before heading back home to take on the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow for a three-game series. The Braves emerged victorious with a 6-3 win, thanks to a stellar performance by starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez was dominant on the mound, pitching six scoreless innings while allowing just two hits, walking one, and striking out eight.
I’m a big fan of Lopez. Initially traded to the team as a relief pitcher, the Braves' front office saw his potential as a starter, and he has not disappointed. Competing with Bryce Elder for the fifth spot in the rotation, Lopez boasts an impressive 1.69 ERA and a wicked slider that often leaves batters chasing in vain. His addition to the team has been a significant boost, and I’m excited to see what he can contribute for the rest of the season.
Just as I predicted last night, Adam Duvall and Jarred Kelenic manned the outfield, with Duvall taking over in right field from Bryan Anderson. Ozzie Albies, our two-time All-Star second baseman, was exceptional at the plate today, going 4-for-5 and scoring two runs. One of his key moments came in the fourth inning when he singled on a fly ball to left field, bringing home Duvall.
The Braves' outfield was exceptional tonight. Jarred Kelenic and Michael Harris II each made diving catches, showcasing their speed and determination. These are the kinds of plays that can turn the tide in a game and are exactly what we want to see throughout the season.
The Braves' offensive surge began early. In the first inning, Marcell Ozuna doubled on a sharp line drive to right field, bringing home Albies and Harris II. This was reminiscent of last season when the Braves often dominated early innings, which usually set the stage for their victories. The trend continued in the sixth inning when Orlando Arcia doubled on a line drive to left field, bringing home Kelenic. The final blow came from Matt Olson, who doubled on a fly ball to right field, bringing in Albies for the Braves' last run of the game.
Pierce Johnson took over pitching duties in the seventh and struggled, giving up all three of the Orioles' runs. Kyle Stowers homered on a fly ball to center field, bringing in three runs. Johnson's line for the inning was two hits, three runs, one walk, and one strikeout. Fortunately, Joe Jimenez and Raisel Iglesias steadied the ship, each pitching an inning and allowing only one hit each. Iglesias secured his 17th save of the season, closing out the game for the Braves.
As the Braves conclude their road trip, they return home tomorrow to face the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series. Chris Sale is set to take the mound for the Braves with an 8-2 record and a 3.01 ERA, while the Rays will counter with Zack Littell, who is 2-4 with a 3.63 ERA. I’m looking forward to this weekend's home stretch and will be back tomorrow with another recap after the game.
As we wrap up this blog, I want to extend warm wishes to each of you for a fantastic evening. Let's continue to support our Braves and keep our spirits high. Don’t forget to share love and positivity with your families and loved ones – they truly deserve it!
See you all tomorrow for the recap!