Category: Ozzie Albies

Braves vs. Giants Sereis Wrap

Coming into this series everyone knew how important it was. The San Fransisco Giants had the best record in all of MLB. However, the Atlanta Braves know how to win ballgames! They won the series, winning two out of three.

Game One: Max Fried vs. Kevin Gausman, Braves won 6-5

This was a good, exciting game. The Braves were behind all game until the bottom of the seventh inning. Then they had an offensive burst in the bottom of the sixth inning and were able to barley hold on a win.

Even though he didn’t get the win, Max Fried pitched a pretty good game for Atlanta. He went six innings, allowed five hits, four runs, he allowed ZERO walks, and had five strikeouts. He did not pitch a bad game. He just had a couple slip-ups and the Giants took advantage of them.

In the top of the first inning, San Fransisco took a two run lead. Buster Posey hit a two-run home run, giving them an early 2-0 lead. Max Fried does not give up that many home runs, but in a 3-0 count, he hung a pitch in the strike zone and the Giants catcher took advantage of it.

The Giants added on another run in the top of the second inning. Kevin Gausman grounded into an RBI force out, making it a 3-0 game.

The Braves got one of those runs back in the bottom of the second. Adam Duvall launched a solo shot to left centerfield, making it a 3-1 game.

In the bottom of the third inning, Austin Riley made it a 3-2 game. He hit an RBI single that scored Jorge Soler who singled to start the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch.

However, in the top of the fourth inning, the Giants got that run right back. Tommy La Stella hit an RBI double that scored Wilmer Flores making it a 4-2 game.

The Braves had a huge offensive burst in the bottom of the seventh inning. It turned out to be crucial to their win. Adam Duvall started the inning with a strikeout, then Joc Pederson reached base on a walk. Guillermo Heredia came on as a pinch hitter. He hit a first-pitch single that advanced Pederson to second. With two on and one out, Ozzie Albies was up to bat. On the first pitch he saw, he hit a booming RBI double that scored Joc Pederson and advanced Hereida to third. His double made it a 4-3 game. San Fransisco went to their bullpen, and brought on Zach Littell. Jorge Soler didn’t greet him very kindly. On the FIRST-PITCH he saw, Soler hit a monstrous three-run home run. His homer gave the Braves the lead at 6-4.

Will Smith came on to pitch the ninth inning for Atlanta. Throughout most, if not all of his appearances, Smith gives up at least one run. He did the same thing in this appearance. Smith gave up a solo home run to Wilmer Flores, the first batter he faced making it a 6-5 game. Luckily, Will Smith was able to hold on to that one run lead, and the Braves took game one.

Game Two: Huascar Ynoa vs. Logan Webb, Braves lost 5-0

Huascar Ynoa pitched well for the Braves. He gave up two runs on three hits over six innings of work. He also had three walks and three strikeouts. Overall, Ynoa did not pitch a bad game, he just didn’t get any offensive support — and the bullpen didn’t help him out.

San Fransisco scored their first run in the top of the first inning. Tommy La Stella, their second baseman, hit a solo home run giving the Giants a 1-0 lead. To give them a 2-0 lead, La Stella then hit a sac fly in the top of the third. Those were the only two runs that Ynoa surrendered.

The Giants did not score again until the seventh inning. Richard Rodríguez was pitching for Atlanta. He gave up a first-pitch, solo homer to Mike Yastrzemski. That made it a 3-0 game. Rodríguez has been very lights-out for the Braves since they got him at the trade deadline. This was one of the very few runs he has surrendered.

Chris Martin gave up the other two and final runs to the San Fransisco Giants. He surrendered an RBI single to Darin Ruf, and a first-pitch RBI double to Yastrzemski to make the score 5-0.

The Braves had a couple chances to score throughout this game, but they just couldn’t pull the trigger.

Game Three: Ian Anderson vs. Anthony DeSclafani, Braves won 9-0

Well, the Giants shut them out the night before, so it was only fitting that the Atlanta Braves did the same to them!

Ian Anderson pitched very well for the Braves. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowed four hits, zero runs, only to walks, and he had ZERO strikeouts. What?!? Zero strikeouts? That is an unusual thing to see from a pitcher in this day and age. But Anderson’s stuff was sharp and the Giants hitters were constantly making contact and getting balls on the ground. Not to mention, Atlanta has A-plus defense in the infield, so Anderson knew if he got the ball on the ground, he didn’t have to worry.

The Braves offense opened up in the fourth inning. Jorge Soler led off the inning with a solo home run to get Atlanta on the board with a 1-0 lead. Freddie Freeman reached base on a single and then, to give them a 3-0 lead, Austin Riley hit a two-run homer.

Eddie Rosario, playing in his first game for Atlanta, had a two-RBI triple that scored Joc Pederson and Dansby Swanson. The Giants reviewed the play at third (Rosario was originally called safe) the called went in the Braves favor and was upheld, making it a 5-0 Braves lead.

To lead off the bottom of the seventh inning, Ozzie Albies had a double. Jorge Soler reached base after Albies on a single. Freeman had an RBI single that scored Ozzie, extending the Braves lead to 6-0. To make it a 7-0 lead, Joc Pederson scored Soler on a sac fly.

Atlanta scored their final two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Guillermo Heredia scored on a wild pitch to make it an 8-0 score. Then, to add the final blow, Ozzie Albies crushed a solo home run into the left field seats, making it a final score of 9-0!

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This was a crucial series for the Braves. They played every game hard and with everything they had. It paid off. When you play with confidence and a reason to play, you’ve got a shot at winning no matter what type of team you are playing.

Braves vs. Yankees

All good things must come to an end. Coming into this series, the Atlanta Braves had won nine games in a row. The New York Yankees had also won nine in a row. Both teams were red-hot. One of these teams’ win-streak was going to end. Unfortunately it was the Braves’ that ended. Their streak was snapped, and they ended up getting swept in a two-game-set.

Game One: Huascar Ynoa vs. Jordan Montgomery, Braves lost 5-1

Huascar Ynoa made his second start for the Braves in this game since his long-awaited return from the IL. He pitched six innings, allowed four hits, three runs, only one walk, and he had nine strikeouts. Ynoa’s outing was not bad – Giancarlo Stanton was just all over him. All three runs that Huascar allowed, were by Stanton. The first run was a solo home run that he hit in the top of the first inning to give the Yanks a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Braves tied the game. Dansby Swanson hit a solo home run into center field to make it a 1-1 game. It was a first pitch bomb, and Swanson got Atlanta right back in this game.

In the top of the sixth inning, Giancarlo Stanton broke the tie. He hit a two-RBI double that made it a 3-1 game. A 3-1 game is still manageable.

However, in the top of the eighth inning, the Yankees added onto their lead. Edgar Santana came onto pitch for the Braves. He got the first two outs via a groundout. Then he gave up a single to Aaron Judge and a full-count walk to Joey Gallo. Santana had a balk which advanced the runners to second and third. I think the balk shook Edgar up, because he walked the next batter to load the bases. Seeing that Santana was shaken up, Brian Snitker brought Jesse Chavez in to pitch. Chavez surrendered a two-run double that made it a 5-1 game.

Atlanta’s offense wasn’t able to produce any more run support other than Swanson’s solo shot back in the second inning.

Game Two: Charlie Morton vs. Andrew Heaney, Braves lost 5-4

Whew. What a suspenseful game! It was a great, exciting game to watch – it just would’ve been better if the Atlanta Braves could have pulled out a comeback win.

Charlie Morton pitched decent for the Braves. It wasn’t as good of a start as we’re used to from him, but it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. He pitched five innings, allowed six hits, four runs, had zero walks, and nine strikeouts. So he had his good stuff, the Yankees were just able to get hits and score runs off of him.

Atlanta started the scoring. In the bottom of the first inning, with two outs, Freddie Freeman reached base on a walk and Austin Riley reached base when he was hit by a pitch. Dansby Swanson scored both Freeman and Riley with a booming two-RBI double into center field. His hit gave the Braves a 2-0 lead.

The Yankees got on the board in the top of the second inning. Giancarlo Stanton hit a line-drive, solo home run into center field. That made it a 2-1 game, Atlanta still on top. New York tied the game on an RBI single the top of the fourth that scored Aaron Judge, making it a 2-2 game.

The Yankees broke the 2-2 tie in the top of the fifth inning. DJ LeMahieu hit a two-run homer to make it a 4-2 game.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Braves sparked an offensive rally. After Abraham Almonte struck out to start the inning, Ozzie Albies hit a first-pitch single to reach base. Jorge Soler walked to advance Ozzie to second. Freddie Freeman grounded into a force out which advanced Ozzie to third, but got Soler out at second. Austin Riley hit a single that scored Ozzie from third. Freddie Freeman tried to score on the play, too, but he was called out. The Braves coaching staff challenged the play and Freddie looked safe, but the umpires did not see any “clear and convincing” evidence so Freeman was called out. Even though he didn’t score, Ozzie did and made it a 4-3 game.

The Yankees added on what turned out to be their insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. It came on a solo home run by Rougned Odor. His home run made it a 5-3 game.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, things got really interesting really fast. The New York Yankees ace Aroldis Chapman was on the mound. He got Travis d’Arnaud to groundout for the first out. Then on the first pitch he saw, Adam Duvall wasted no time and hit a single! Guillermo Heredia struck out to make out number two. Then, with two outs, Chapman did something he almost NEVER does. He walked pinch-hitter Ehire Adrianza on four straight pitches. So with two on and two out, it was all up to my man Ozzie Albies. Ozzie worked a 3-2 count, and on the seventh pitch of his at-bat, he hit a ground ball to third base. Now Ozzie isn’t a slow dude, so the Yanks third baseman had to hurry. He fielded the ball and threw it to first as quickly as he could. Ozzie was…SAFE!! Ozzie beat out the baseball and had an infield single to load the bases. And then, Aroldis Chapman had a full-count, bases loaded walk that scored Adam Duvall. That made it a 5-4 game.

The Braves did something few teams can do…they got to Chapman and scored off of him. He was sweating SO much his hat was soaked and the sweat was dripping down the front of it like a waterfall. Aroldis Chapman is arguably the best closer in baseball, but the Braves took full advantage of him.

The Yankees went deeper into their bullpen and brought Wandy Peralta on to try and close out the game. He didn’t have an easy task. He had to face Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded! However, he did his job. He got Freddie Freeman to fly out just shy of the warning track to end the game. Even though the Braves didn’t win, they sure gave all of Braves country a finish…and every Yankees fan a big scare!

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We all knew that at some point the Atlanta Braves were going to get beaten and get their streak snapped. It just so happened that the New York Yankees were the team to do it. Hopefully, with the Braves’ important stretch of games coming up, they can bring their offense AND pitching back to their A+ stuff.

Braves vs. Orioles Series Wrap

Wow. Another sweep! The Atlanta Braves have swept three teams in a row. That’s insane! Yes, this sweep was against another “easier” team, but every game is important no matter what team you are playing. Hopefully they can keep this up.

Game One: Max Fried va. Keegan Akin, Braves won 3-0

What a game for Max Fried! He pitched ALL nine innings. Not only did he pitch the entire game…he pitched a shutout!!! He only allowed four hits, and did not walk a single batter. And, he only threw 90 pitches. This was an extremely impressive outing for Fried, and I’m sure it was one he’ll never forget.

All of the Braves runs came via the home run ball. In the top of the second inning, Dansby Swanson led off with a first-pitch single. Travis d’Arnaud followed his single with a two-run homer. That got Atlanta on the board and made it a 2-0 game.

They scored their other run in the top of the third inning. Jorge Soler hit a solo home run that made it a 3-0 Braves lead. That was the final run scored in the game. For the Atlanta Braves and Max Fried, three runs was all they needed.

Game Two: Drew Smyly vs. Matt Harvey, Braves won 5-4

Drew Smyly pitched well for Atlanta. He went five innings, allowed five hits, three runs, zero walks, and he had eight strikeouts. He gave up a solo home run in the top of the first inning to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead, but was able to limit the damage that inning.

After the Orioles took a 1-0 lead, the Braves started their scoring. In the top of the third, Ozzie Albies started the inning with a strikeout. Jorge Soler followed him with a walk, and then Freddie Freeman was hit by a pitch. With two runners on base, Austin Riley struck out to make the second out. On the very next pitch, Dansby Swanson hit a two-RBI double making it a 2-1 game, giving Atlanta the lead.

Joc Pederson extended the Braves lead in the top of the fourth inning. He crushed a solo home run into straightaway center, making it a 3-1 game.

Although the Braves had a two run lead, Smyly’s home run problem got the best of him. He gave up two solo home runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game at three apiece.

However, that 3-3 tie didn’t last long! In the top of the fifth inning, Austin Riley hit a solo shot. The Braves added one more run in the top of the ninth inning. It came on a sac fly by Jorge Soler. His sac fly scored Stephen Vogt from third base. He reached base earlier that inning and then was advanced to third when my man Ozzie had a single.

It was a good thing that the Braves added on that extra run in the top of the ninth inning. Will Smith – who hasn’t been lights out for Atlanta at all this season – struggled to win this game. He gave up a solo home run to Anthony Santander who had already homered off of Smyly today. His home run made it a 5-4 game. That made it an uncomfortable lead for the Atlanta Braves, but thankfully Smith was able to limit the damage and preserve a one nothing lead to allow the Braves to win 5-4.

Game Three: Touki Toussaint vs. John Means, Braves won 3-1

Touki Toussaint pitched a good game for the Braves. He went 5.1 innings, allowed five hits, one run, three walks, and he had five strikeouts. The one run he allowed came in the fourth inning, but other than that he was lights out. I really feel like Toussaint could’ve pitched a complete six innings. After he had already gotten one out, he gave up a single. Brian Snitker took him out of the game. This is something that continues to bother me. I feel like Snitker should give his starting pitchers a chance in a situation like that instead of just taking them out.

The Braves scored all of their runs in the fourth inning. The first one came on a solo home run by Jorge Soler to make it 1-0. Freddie Freeman doubled and after Riley struck out, Dansby Swanson walked. Adam Duvall had a two-RBI double top score both freeman and Swanson to make it a 3-0 game.

The Orioles scored their one and only run in the bottom of the fourth, but other than that they couldn’t conjure up any more offense. That allowed the Braves to win 3-1. This series was their third series sweep in a row, and their ninth game in a row. Wow!

Braves vs. Marlins Series Wrap

Woohoo, another sweep! The Braves are on a roll. Yes, they have been playing some “easier” teams, but they are winning nonetheless, and that it what’s important this time of year.

Game One: Touki Toussaint vs. Braxton Garrett, Braves won 12-2

This was another offensive outburst for the Atlanta Braves. They scored seven of their runs in the fourth inning.

Touki Toussaint pitched very well. He went 6.1 innings and allowed three hits, two runs, two walks, and he had seven strikeouts. He never really got into any trouble over his 6 plus innings. Brian Snitker took Touki out of the game after he gave up a walk in the top of the seventh. I feel like, with the huge lead the Braves had, Snitker could’ve/should’ve let Toussaint continue, but that didn’t happen.

The Braves started this game with a very good chance to score. Ozzie Albies, Jorge Soler, and Freddie Freeman all reached base with walks. To make the first out, Austin Riley struck out, and then Dansby Swanson had an RBI force-out that scored Ozzie and made it a 1-0 Braves lead.

However, that 1-0 lead did not last long. On the first pitch Touki Toussaint threw, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a solo home run, making it a 1-1 game. Miami took the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Isan Diaz hit a solo home run making it 2-1.

Atlanta didn’t allow the Marlins’ lead to last very long. In the top of the fourth inning, Guillermo Heredia and Toussaint reached base on walks. After the Marlins’ starting pitcher walked Touki, they went to their bullpen. That didn’t do them much good. My man, Ozzie made it a 2-2 game. He hit an RBI single that scored Heredia. Jorge Soler struck out making the first out of the inning. Freeman hit a three-run bomb. That broke the scoreless tie, making it a 5-2 game with the Braves on top. To keep the inning alive, Austin Riley had a double. Swanson scored him with an RBI single making it 6-2. Dansby advanced to second base on a passed ball. And then, to add the final blow of the inning, Adam Duvall hit an absolute laser shot to left field. It went SO FAR that it dented the windows at the back of left field. If the windows were open that ball would’ve left the ballpark…and who knows where it would have landed! His home run made it an 8-2 game.

In the top of sixth inning, the Braves once again added onto their lead. Duvall started the inning with a one-pitch flyout to make out number one. Travis d’Arnaud and Hereida reached base via walks. Toussaint did his job and got a sac bunt down to advanced both runners. Ozzie was up to bat. He hit a two-RBI single, making it a 10-2 game. And then, to score the final two runs of the game, Travis d’Arnaud hit a two-RBI double in the top of the seventh inning. That made it a 12-2 game.

The Braves were given a total of eleven bases on balls in this game. They took advantage of all of them…and it paid off!

Game Two: Huascar Ynoa vs. Sandy Alcantara, Braves won 2-0

Welcome back Huascar Ynoa! This was his first start in a major league game since May 31st when he broke his right hand – his pitching hand – punching the dugout bench. Huascar pitched 5.1 innings. He allowed only three hits, ZERO runs, one walk, and he had four strikeouts. Overall it was a great first outing for him coming off the injured list!

This was a pitchers’ duel. There was hardly any contact…and the Braves didn’t score their first run until the eighth inning.

In the top of the eighth inning, Stephen Vogt led off with a strikeout. Abraham Almonte walked, and then Ozzie struck out to make the second out of the inning, and Almonte stole second. He then advanced to third on a passed ball. So with a runner on third and two outs, Soler was up to bat. He hit an RBI single that got the Braves on the board, making it a 1-0 game.

Atlanta needed a little more “cushion” with their lead, and Austin Riley provided that. In the top of the ninth inning he hit a towering solo shot to make it a 2-0 game.

Will Smith came on to preserve the save. He actually did his job this time, and had a 1-2-3 shutdown inning. That allowed the Braves to win the game!

Game Three: Charlie Morton vs. Jesús Luzardo, Braves won 11-9

Charlie Morton pitched well for Atlanta once again. He went six innings, allowed three hits, two runs, only one walk, and struck out nine Miami batters. His command was good, and he was able to limit the Marlins to only two runs, and was able to keep them from any further damage.

Coming into the fourth inning, it was a scoreless tie. However, the Braves put an end to that! Freddie Freeman led of the inning with a triple. On the next pitch, Austin Riley had an RBI single that made it a 1-0 game. Dansby Swanson followed Riley with a single. With two on and no one out, Travis d’Arnaud walked to load the bases. Adam Duvall walked with the bases loaded, making it a 2-0 game. Guillermo Hereida also walked with the bases loaded, making it a 3-0 game. To make the first out, Charlie Morton struck out. My man, Ozzie Albies hit a sac fly to make the Braves lead 4-0. His sac fly made the second out, and then Jorge Soler had a strikeout to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth inning, Adam Duvall had an RBI double that scored Freeman, who reached base earlier that inning on a single. That made it a 5-0 game.

The Marlins got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning. They scored two runs making it a 5-2 game.

To add onto our lead, Freddie Freeman hit a two-run home run for the Braves making it a 7-2 game in the top of the sixth. Wait, hold up. Freeman had a double in the first inning, a triple, a single, and now a home run… ahhh it’s a cycle! Freddie Freeman hit the second cycle of his Braves career. Woohoo!

Brian Anderson made it a 7-3 game in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI groundout.

Top of the eighth inning: Ozzie Albies led off the inning with a four-pitch walk. He stole second base, and then Ozzie advanced to third on a fly out by Jorge Soler. His fly out made the first out of the inning. Freeman was intentionally walked, and then Austin Riley hit a first-pitch RBI single. His single scored Ozzie and made it a 8-3 game. Dansby Swanson then walked and loaded the bases. Travis d’Arnaud and Adam Duvall both walked with the bases loaded to make it a 10-3 game. Heredia popped out to make the second out, and then Joc Pederson also walked with the bases loaded to score the final Atlanta run, making it an 11-3 game.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Marlins made this game too close for comfort. A.J. Minter started the inning for Atlanta. He gave up a double to the first batter he saw, and a single to the second one he faced. Bryan De La Cruz hit a sac fly to make it an 11-4 game. The Braves conceded the run for an out. Miguel Rojas grounded out to make out number two. Jazz Chisholm had an RBI single to made it an 11-5 game. Jesus Aguilar hit a two-RBI single to make it an 11-7 game. Will Smith came on in relief of not only Minter, but also Josh Tomlin. Josh came on in relief of A.J. but he couldn’t get more than one out. Jesus Sanchez hit a two run homer to make it a 11-9 game off of Smith, but he was able to limit anymore damage and sent the Braves off happy.

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This was an eventful series for the Atlanta Braves. They had some huge hits and are getting back to 100%. With Ynoa and Travis back now, and Ian Anderson nearing his return, the Braves are looking even better to secure a spot in the postseason.

Braves vs. Nationals Series Wrap

Woohoo another sweep! The Atlanta Braves are on a roll. It has been so great to see the Braves finally get into a consistent wining groove…and get rewarded for it.

Game One: Charlie Morton vs. Josiah Gray, Braves won 4-2

After a three plus hour rain delay, this game was finally underway.

Charlie Morton pitched for Atlanta. His first inning got off to a very shaky start, but he was able to get himself under control and pitch a great game. He pitched six innings, allowed six hits, two runs, two walks, and he had seven strikeouts. After his first two pitches in the bottom of the first inning, it didn’t look like Charlie Morton was going to have a strong outing. However, he turned things around and was able to limit the damage to only two runs.

Washington scored their only two runs of the game in the bottom of the first inning. On the first pitch of the inning, Victor Robles, the Nats’ center fielder, led off with a double. Juan Soto scored him with a single, and then Josh Bell had a sac fly that scored another run to make it a 2-0 game, Nationals on top.

All of the Braves runs came on solo home runs. ALL of them! In the top of the fifth inning, Travis d’Arnaud hit the first solo shot. It was a line-drive laser, and his first home run since his return from the injured list. His homer made it a 2-1 game.

The second solo home run came in the top of the sixth inning. It was an absolute BOMB hit off the bat of my man, Ozzie Albies. His homer went a long way, and it tied the game up at two apiece.

In the top of the seventh inning, Austin Riley hit yet another solo home run for Atlanta. It went a long way too, and it broke the 2-2 tie, making it a 3-2 game Braves on top.

And, then, to score the fourth and final run for the Braves, Dansby Swanson hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning. That made a final score of 4-2, and the Braves took game one.

Game Two: Max Fried vs. Patrick Corbin, Braves won 12-2

Max Fried pitched a great game for Atlanta. Not to mention he contributed at the plate too! He went six innings, allowed five hits, two runs, ZERO walks, and he had seven strikeouts. He gave up one run in the fourth, and one in the sixth, but other than those two runs, he was lights out.

The top of the third inning is where the Braves started their scoring. Guillermo Heredia led off the inning with a strikeout, and then Max Fried reached base on a single. Ozzie Albies hit a booming triple to center field. His triple scored Max Fried from first base! Jorge Soler struck out to make the second out, and then Freeman scored Ozzie with an RBI single, making it 2-0 Braves.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Josh Bell had an RBI single that scored Victor Robles who singled to lead off that inning.

Atlanta added onto their lead in the top of the fifth inning. Guillermo Heredia led off with a single, and Max Fried advanced him to second on a sac bunt. With one out, my man Ozzie Albies hit a gigantic two-run home run! His two-run shot made it a 4-1 game, Braves on top. Soler followed Ozzie’s homer with a walk and Freddie followed him with a single. Dansby Swanson hit a two-RBI single to score Freeman and Soler, making it a 6-1 game.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Washington scored their second and final run, making the sore 6-2 Atlanta still on top.

The Braves, once again, added onto their lead. They scored three in the top of the seventh. Dansby Swanson hit a three-run homer…it went way out there! And they also scored another run in the top of the eighth inning when Soler grounded into a double play, but scored Joc Pederson while doing it. That made it a 10-2 game.

To score the final two runs of the game for the Atlanta Braves, Dansby Swanson and Adam Duvall both hit solo home runs in the top of the ninth inning. They were back-to-back bombs, and it was Dansby’s second home run of the night!

Game Three: Drew Smyly vs. Paolo Espino, Braves won 6-5

Woah. This was a suspenseful game! The Braves had a lead from the get-go, but the Nationals were relentless until the end. (I *love* these kinds of games…my mom does not!)

Drew Smyly didn’t have his strongest outing for the Braves. He only went four innings. And in those four inning, he allowed six hits, three runs, only one walk, and four strikeouts. Smyly threw 74 pitches across those four innings, and a lot of those were high-stress pitches.

Luckily, Atlanta started the scoring first. In the top of the second inning Stephen Vogt had an RBI groundout that scored Adam Duvall and made it a 1-0 game. In the top of the third inning, Dansby Swanson extended the Braves lead with a two-run home run. His homer made it a 3-0 game.

The Nats got on the board in the bottom of the third inning. Victor Robles had an RBI single that scored Luis Garcia, another runner scored on a wild pitch, and Juan Soto had a sac fly to make it a 3-3 tie game.

To break the 3-3 tie, Freddie Freeman and Austin Riley hit back-to-back solo home runs. Those two solo shots made it a 5-3 game. They also scored another run on a wild pitch, making it a 6-3 game, Atlanta on top.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Carter Kieboom for the Nationals hit a two-RBI single that scored Soto and Bell making it a 6-5 game.

Even though it was a close game, the Braves bullpen was able to preserve the lead and allow the Braves to sweep the Washington Nationals. Finally, our bullpen is doing its job. Keep it up, guys!

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This series was huge for Atlanta. Not only did they keep their winning streak alive and keep the above 50/50, they also gained solo possession of first place in the National League East. Woohoo! I knew they could do it!!!

Braves vs. Reds Series Wrap

Another series win for the Atlanta Braves! It seems like things are finally -FINALLY – starting to click for the Braves. Not only do they have a wining record, but they are playing better baseball and are winning multiple games in a row.

Game One: Drew Smyly vs. Sonny Gray, Braves won 3-2

Drew Smyly pitched very well for the Braves. He went six innings, allowed only two hits, two runs, two walks, and he had seven strikeouts. Smyly never really got into any trouble. After he gave up a two-run home run in the top of the second inning, he was lights out. He had good command of the strike zone, didn’t have many full counts, and had control over his pitches.

To get the Cincinnati Reds on the board, Aristides Aquino, the Reds young outfielder, hit a two run home run in the second inning.

In the bottom of the fourth inning after two quick outs from Freddie Freeman and Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson reared base on a walk. With two out and one on, Adam Duvall was up to bat. On the very first pitch he saw…Duvall hit it out of the ballpark for a two-run homer and made it a tied game 2-2.

Atlanta scored their third and final run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Austin Riley led off that inning with a first-pitch single, Dansby Swanson followed Riley with a walk. To make the first out of the inning, Adam Duvall had a strikeout. So with one out, Joc Pederson walked to load the bases. Stephen Vogt drew a bases loaded walk to make it a 3-2 game.

The Braves’ bullpen was able to hold onto a tight lead late, and that led Atlanta to a game one victory.

Game Two: Touki Toussaint vs. Wade Miley, Braves won 8-6

Whew. What a game! It was an especially great game for Ozzie Albies. 🙂 and it was GREAT to see Braves catcher, Travis d’Arnaud back on the field. He was certainly missed!

Touki Toussaint pitched five innings. He allowed four hits, two runs, three walks, and he had five strikeouts. Toussaint didn’t have a bad outing. He just ran into some trouble a couple times. Luckily, he didn’t surrender more than two runs. Touki could’ve possibly pitched later into the game, but his high pitch-count of 97 is what ultimately drove him out of the game.

Bottom of the first inning. Ozzie Albies led off the inning with a single. Jorge Soler walked-in the next at-bat. After Freeman flew out on the first pitch he saw, Austin Riley was up to bat. Austin hit a booming RBI double into center field. Ozzie easily scored from second base. Soler tried to score, but he was thrown out to make the second out of the inning. But the Braves still got on the board making it a 1-0 game.

Bottom of the second inning. Adam Duvall leads of the inning with a walk. Travis d’Arnaud lined out to make the first out of the inning. It was SO good to see Travis back on the field! He missed 86 games with a torn ligament in his left thumb. With one out, Guillermo Heredia was up to bat. He hit a two-run dinger into the seats in left center field. His home run extended Atlanta’s lead, 3-0.

Bottom of the third inning. Freddie Freeman led off the inning with a single. Austin Riley hit another double that scored Freeman. Freddie was originally called out at home plate, but after review, it was overturned and Freeman was safe! That made it 4-0 Braves. Austin scored on a sac fly by Swanson to make it a 5-0 Atlanta lead.

In the top of the sixth inning, Cincinnati got on the board. Joey Votto hit a two-run shot making it a 5-2 game. In the top of the eighth inning, Eugenio Suarez hit an RBI double making it a 5-3 game.

Top of the ninth inning: Atlanta needs three outs to win the game. Will Smith is on the mound and things don’t look good. He got the first out of the inning, but then hit Nick Castellanos with a pitch. On the very next pitch he threw, Will Smith surrendered a two-run home run to Joey Votto – his second of the game. That tied the game at 5-5. Smith got out of the inning without surrendering anymore runs, but not before blowing the game.

The Braves didn’t score in the bottom of the ninth inning, and neither team scored in the tenth inning.

Top of the eleventh inning: **remember the new extra-innings rule automatically places a runner on second base for each team** Edgar Santana is pitching for Atlanta. The first batter he faced was Kyle Farmer. He gave up an RBI single that scored the runner from second base and made it a 6-5 game, Cincinnati on top. Santana was able to get out of the inning without giving up any more runs.

Bottom of the eleventh inning: Adam Duvall is the runner placed on second for the Braves. d’Arnaud and Heredia made the first two outs of the inning, and then Joc Pederson walked to keep the game alive. It was all up to Ozzie Albies. With two outs, Ozzie worked a 2-1 count. On the fourth pitch of his AB, he crushed an absolute BOMB into the Chop House seats for a WALK-OFF three-run home run!!!

It was amazing. Not only did Ozzie walk it off for Atlanta…but my man started and ended the game with a hit.

Game Three: Kyle Muller vs. Vladimir Gutierrez, Braves lost 12-3

I think it’s safe to say that this game didn’t go how anyone in Braves country thought it would. Kyle Muller had been producing such solid starts for Atlanta. But this was not one of those.

Over just 2.1 innings, Muller allowed five hits, six runs, three walks, and he only had one strikeout. It’s clear to say he did not have his best stuff. His pitches were all over the place, and he didn’t have good command. He kept getting himself into trouble and couldn’t get out of it.

Despite their blow-out loss, Atlanta scored the first run of the game. It came in the bottom of the first on a Dansby Swanson RBI-single that scored Jorge Soler who reached base on a walk earlier in the inning. Swanson’s RBI single made it a 1-0 game Braves on top.

That lead did not last long. In the top of the second inning, Reds left fielder, Jesse Winker hit a grand slam to make it a 4-1 game. They scored FIVE more runs in the top of the third inning making it a 9-1 game. Cincinnati made it an 11-1 game in the top of the sixth when Kyle Farmer hit a two run homer.

In the bottom of the seventh inning; my man- Ozzie Albies hit a solo home run. It went a long way, and even though the Braves were still down nine, it gave the fans and the team something to celebrate. His homer made it an 11-2 game.

The Reds scored their twelfth and final run in the top of the ninth inning. It came from Tyler Stephenson against Edgar Santana, and it was the first pitch thrown that inning. That made it a 12-2 game.

In the bottom of the ninth inning Joc Pederson scored on a wild pitch to make it a 12-3 game.

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This was a good series for Atlanta- they have started rolling and winning consecutive games in a row. This is leading them in the right direction, and if they can keep this up they will have a great chance of making the postseason!

Braves vs. Nationals Sereis Wrap

This was another good series for our Atlanta Braves. They won two out of three games against the Washington Nationals. They should have won all three games and swept the Nats, but a blown save by Will Smith in game two of the series didn’t allow that to happen. Other than Smith’s slip-up, the Braves played great baseball throughout this entire series.

Game One: Kyle Muller vs. Erick Fedde, Braves won 8-4

Kyle Muller didn’t have his strongest outing for Atlanta. He only pitched 4.2 innings, and over that stretch of innings he allowed two hits, three runs, two walks, and he had three strikeouts.

Even though Atlanta didn’t get a strong outing from Muller, they still produced a lot of offense and ultimately won the ballgame.

In bottom of the first inning, the Braves started the scoring. Adam Duvall had a two-RBI single that scored Jorge Soler and Freddie Freeman, who both reached base via a single. That gave them a 2-0 lead early.

The Nationals scored one run in the top of the third inning on a wild pitch to make it a 2-1 game, and then they tied the game at two on an RBI-single by their third baseman Carter Kieboom. And then, to give Washington a 3-2 lead, the pitcher Erick Fedde had a sac fly that scored Gerardo Para from third base.

Atlanta regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. To make the first two outs of the inning, Abraham Almonte grounded out and Ozzie Albies had a lineout. To keep the inning alive, Soler reached base on catcher’s interference. Freeman followed him with a first pitch single. With two on and two out, Austin Riley was up to bat. He hit an RBI-single that scored Soler and made it a 3-3 game. Dansby Swanson broke the 3-3 tie with another RBI single that scored Freddie and made the score 4-3 Atlanta. Adam Duvall added the final knock of the inning with an RBI-double that scored Riley, making it 5-3.

In the bottom of the eighth inning Stephen Vogt led off with a walk. Ehire Adrianza followed him with a single, and then my man, Ozzie Albies, walked to load the bases. Jorge Soler struck out to make out number one. And then Freddie Freeman hit a two-RBI single that extended Atlanta’s lead to 7-3. Austin Riley made it an 8-3 game when he hit a sac fly that scored Ozzie From third.

Washington got one run closer in the top of the ninth inning on an RBI double by Luis Garcia to make it 8-4. But they couldn’t make anymore offense, and the Braves held on to take game one!

Game Two: Charlie Morton vs. Josiah Gray, Braves lost 3-2

It’s games like these that are the most frustrating. Your team has a lead the entire game until the top of the ninth inning. And then your “closer” comes on, and instead of preserving a shutout…he blows the game and your team loses. That is exactly what happened to Atlanta.

Charlie Morton produced another great outing for Atlanta. He went six innings, allowed three hits, ZERO runs, two walks, and he had seven strikeouts. Everything seemed to go right for Morton. He had good command over his pitches, the strike zone, and his pitch count. He did not throw many full-counts to batters.

Jorge Soler started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. He hit a no-doubt, solo home run to make it a 1-0 game. Soler has some serious power…and he just keeps hitting!

The Braves extended their lead in the bottom of the third inning when Ozzie Albies hit an RBI-single that scored Stephen Vogt, who reached base on a wild-pitch strikeout. Ozzie’s run-scoring single made it a 2-0 game, all Atlanta.

Coming into the top of the ninth inning, the Atlanta Braves were still up 2-0. Will Smith came onto pitch the ninth inning and preserve a two-run shutout. He failed at that. Smith started the inning with a walk to Josh Bell. Then he gave up a first pitch double to Ryan Zimmerman. He got Kieboom to flyout to make the first out of the inning. But then Luis Garcia had an RBI-groundout to make it a 2-1 game. There were now two outs- but that didn’t really matter. On the very next pitch Will Smith threw, Riley Adams hit out of the ballpark for a two-run homer making it 3-2 Washington on top. Not only did that give the Nationals the lead, but it had to be embarrassing for Smith. After all, Adams only had an average of .086.

Atlanta couldn’t come up with any offense in the bottom of the ninth inning to try and come back from a blown save by Will Smith.

Game Three: Max Fried vs. Patrick Corbin, Braves won 5-4

Max Fried pitched well for Atlanta. He went six innings, allowed seven hits, only one run, one walk, and he had five strikeouts. Despite how many hits he allowed, Fried was able to stay calm in those high-stress innings and limit the damage to only one run.

The one run that Max Fried surrendered came in the top of the third inning. Alcides Escobar, the Nats’ shortstop, hit an RBI-single that scored Luis Garcia and made it a 1-0 game.

However, the Braves came right back and took the lead in the bottom of the third. After two quick outs, one by Joc Pederson and the other by Kevan Smith, Max Fried had a single. And then, my man Ozzie Albies hit a two-run bomb making it a 2-1 game, Atlanta on top!

The Braves added onto their lead again in the bottom of the sixth inning. Austin Riley had an RBI-double that scored Dansby Swanson making it 3-1. And then Adam Duvall came up clutch once again with a two-run homer that scored Austin and made it a 5-1 game. Duvey is such a welcomed-back addition to our lineup!

The Nationals made it a 5-3 game in the top of the seventh inning on two RBI-singles. One was by Victor Robles and the other by Ryan Zimmerman. They also scored another run in the top of the ninth inning. It came on an RBI-double by Ryan Zimmerman. That made it a 5-4 game.

Luckily, Atlanta was able to hold onto that 5-4 lead and win the series.

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Atlanta is finally starting to get into a winning groove. Our team looks great, and they are finally working together. Yes, it took them a LONG time…but it was SO worth the wait!

Braves vs. Brewers Series Wrap

Welcome back Duvy! The Braves acquired three new players at the trade deadline: Jorge Soler from the Kansas City Royals, Richard Rodríguez from the Pittsburg Pirates, and former Brave Adam Duvall from the Miami Marlins.

Game One: Touki Toussaint vs. Corbin Burnes, Braves lost 9-5

This game started off great for the Braves. But after the third inning, things went downhill fast.

Touki Toussaint only went 3.1 innings. In his very brief outing, he allowed six hits, seven runs, two walks, and he had five strikeouts. His stuff was no where near as sharp as it was in his previous two outings. Not to mention he could not command the strike zone, and the his pitch count was crazy. It seemed like all the pitches he threw, Milwaukee almost always found a way to him them!

Although the Braves lost… they still scored some runs. Actually, all of their runs except one came in the bottom of the first inning! On the very first pitch of the bottom of the first, Joc Pederson had a single. Ozzie Albies had a ground out to advance Pederson to second and make the first out of the inning. Freddie Freeman had an RBI-single that scored Joc Pederson and made it 1-0 Braves. With a 1-0 lead, Austin Riley was up to bat. He added onto Atlanta’s lead with a gigantic two-run homer; making it a 3-0 game. And then, to add another run to their lead, Stephen Vogt had an RBI-single that scored Dansby Swanson, and extended the Braves lead to 4-0.

Despite a 4-0 lead, Toussaint couldn’t keep it for Atlanta. In the top of the third inning, the Brewers came back to tie it up at 4-4. They scored one run on an RBI sac fly and the other three on a home run by Avisail Garcia- the Brewers’ right fielder. Milwaukee broke the tie in the top of the fourth inning, when they scored four more runs, giving them an 8-4 lead.

The Braves scored one more run in the bottom of the fifth inning on an RBI-single by Adam Duvall to make it an 8-5 game.

In the top of the ninth inning, as if a four run lead wasn’t enough, Eduardo Escobar, the Brewers’ second baseman, hit a solo home run. That made the final score of the game 9-5 Milwaukee.

Atlanta had ten hits in this game… TEN. Their offense had plenty of chances to score, they just came up empty handed every time. It seemed like, after the first inning, the Braves’ bats ran out of gas. If their offense can’t score when they need to…they’re going to have an even harder time winning more than one game in a row.

Game Two: Kyle Muller vs Brandon Woodruff, Braves won 8-1

This was Dansby Swanson’s game! He had three hits, including two home runs, and seven RBIs. SEVEN! Oh, and not to mention one of those home runs was a GRAND SLAM. Wow!

The Brewers scored their one and only run in the top of the second inning. It came on an RBI forceout by Manny Pina- Milwaukee’s catcher.

Atlanta tied the game at 1 in the bottom of the fourth inning, on a first-pitch RBI-single.

The Braves did not score again until the bottom of the sixth inning. To start off that inning, Adam Duvall had a single. To follow his single, Jorge Soler had a strikeout. And then, to break the 1-1 tie, Dansby Swanson hit a two-run bomb. His home run made it 3-1 Atlanta.

To start the bottom of the seventh inning, Joc Pederson had a strikeout. My man, Ozzie Albies followed Joc with a single. Freeman had a single that advanced Ozzie to second, and then Austin Riley had a walk to load the bases. Jorge Soler had an RBI-single that scored Ozzie to make it a 4-1 game. Adam Duvall had a strikeout to make the second out of the inning. So with the bases still loaded and two out, Atlanta had a perfect chance to score again… and they did! Dansby Swanson came up to bat with the bases loaded, he homered in his previous at-bat. After working a 2-2 count, Swanson made contact with a slider and it went a long way. It was a grand slam!! Dansby has been hitting well in his last few games at the plate, and it continued in this game. His grand slam made it an 8-1 game. That score was the final score of the game.

Game Three: Charlie Morton vs. Brett Anderson, Braves lost 2-1

This was a rare loss from Charlie Morton. However, he did not pitch a bad game at all. He went six innings, allowed three hits, two runs, ZERO walks, and he had six strikeouts. His stuff wasn’t bad at all…the real reason he lost this game was lack of offense from the rest of the Braves team.

The Brewers scored their first run in the top of the first inning. It came on a first-pitch home run by Willy Adames, Milwaukee’s shortstop. That gave them a 1-0 lead early. They scored their second and final run on an RBI-groundout in the top of the fifth inning. That made it a 2-0 game.

To get the Atlanta Braves on the board, Austin Riley had an RBI-single that scored Ozzie Albies, who singled earlier that inning. Austin’s single made it a 2-1 game in the bottom of the sixth.

The Braves could not come up with any more offense throughout the rest of that game. Leaving us with yet another loss after a win.

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Atlanta has had a hard time putting together multiple wins in a row. As a matter of fact, after the end of this series, the Atlanta Braves haven’t won two games in a row since before the All-Star break. Come on, Bravos. Get those bats smoking!

Braves vs. Mets Series Wrap

This was a crucial five game series for the Atlanta Braves. The New York Mets are in first place in the National League East and are the Braves biggest threat. Atlanta did take three out of five games in the series, but after the whole series, they only gained one game on the Mets.

Game One: Kyle Muller vs. Marcus Stroman, Braves won 2-0; game one of doubleheader

This was a well-played game of baseball for the Braves. Their starting pitching was excellent- so was the bullpen, and Atlanta’s hitters provided just enough offense to allowed them to beat the Mets in this game.

Kyle Muller pitched excellent. He went five innings, allowed four hits, ZERO runs, two walks, and three strikeouts. Muller’s outing on the mound was solid. His stuff was good, he had good command of the strike zone and his pitch count. Not to mention he had a single and scored. His impressive start was the foundation of the Braves win.

In the top of the third inning Guillermo Heredia led off with a double, Kyle Muller followed him with a single, and then Joc Pederson had an RBI-double that scored Heredia and got the Braves on the board with a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta scored their second and final run in the top of the fourth inning. Dansby Swanson led off that inning with a double, and was followed with a single by Stephen Vogt that advanced Swanson to third. Orlando Arcia grounded into a force-out that got Vogt out at second. However, Arcia’s out scored Dansby from third and made it a 2-0 Braves lead.

The Braves bullpen came on and was lights out. Combined, Tyler Matzek and Will Smith went two innings, allowed only one hit, zero runs, zero walks, and one strikeout. They backed up a solid start from Kyle Muller with a good bullpen outing, which led to a Braves win.

Game Two: Bryse Wilson vs. Aaron Loup, Braves lost 1-0; game two of doubleheader

This was a low-scoring, suspenseful game for both the Braves and the Mets. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s bullpen had one slip-up that cost them a run, and that run cost them the game.

Bryse Wilson had a decent outing for Atlanta. He only went three innings. But in those three innings he allowed four hits, ZERO runs, one walk, and he had two strikeouts. This outing for Wilson was much better than the previous ones he had made for the Braves.

Atlanta’s bullpen was doing a very good job in relief of Bryse Wilson. However, in the bottom of the fifth inning, with Luke Jackson on the mound, Jeff McNeil had an RBI double that scored Brandon Nimmo from first who reached base via a single earlier that inning. McNiel’s double gave the Mets the lead at 1-0 and that was the ONLY run scored in that ENTIRE game.

Despite Luke Jackson surrendering the only run of the game, Atlanta’s bullpen pitched very well, and it was a very well-played game of baseball. It just would’ve been better if the Braves could have pulled together some offense and won!

Game Three: Charlie Morton vs. Jerad Eickhoff, Braves won 12-5

Atlanta played this game very well from all standpoints. Their offense was fantastic, starting pitching was very good, and the bullpen was great.

Charlie Morton pitched five innings for the Braves, allowed five hits, three runs, two walks, and he had five strikeouts. I was surprised that Brian Snitker took Morton out after only five innings. His pitch count wasn’t high – only 89 pitches, and he hadn’t had many high-stress situations. I don’t know if he was simply tired or if Snitker saw something that Morton did that he didn’t like… I guess we’ll never know.

The Braves started their scoring early and kept scoring throughout the entire game!

In the top of the first inning, Ehire Adrianza was hit by a pitch to start the game. Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman followed him with back-to-back walks to load the bases with Braves and no outs. Austin Riley grounded into a force out, which got Adrianza out at home and allowed Austin to stand on first with one out. With one out, Dansby Swanson was up to bat. He hit a booming double into left field that scored Ozzie and Freeman, making it 2-0 Braves.

Atlanta scored again in the top of the second inning when my man, Ozzie Albies hit a first-pitch, two-run bomb into the seats in right field. It was loud and it went far! His home run gave the Braves a 4-0 lead. Abraham Almonte added on to the Braves lead it the top of the third inning with a two-run homer that scored Swanson and make it 6-0 all Atlanta!

In the bottom of the third inning, the Mets got on the board when Pete Alonso hit an RBI single making a 6-1 game.

To start off the top of the fourth inning, Charlie Morton had a single. Adrianza followed Morton with a double that advanced Charlie to third. Albies struck out to make the first out of the inning, and then Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked to load the bases with Braves. With the bases loaded, Austin Riley was up to bat. Austin hit a GRAND SLAM to left field to make it a 10-1 Atlanta lead! He had been red-hot in the previous series with the Phillies, and in the beginning of this series. His bat has come to life for Atlanta when they’ve needed him most, and he came through big in that situation.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, New York made it a 10-3 three game when Jeff McNiel hit a two-run homer, which allowed Brandon Drury to score. Drury reached base earlier in that inning with a single.

The Braves scored their last two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Austin Riley hit another home run – his second of the night, a two-run shot that scored Freeman and made it a 12-3 game- all Atlanta.

The Mets got two runs closer in the bottom of the seventh inning when Brandon Drury hit a two-run home run, making it a 12-5 game. But they couldn’t conjure up any more offense, and the Braves won with a final score of 12-5.

Game Four: Max Fried vs. Tylor Megill, Braves lost 2-1

Well, if you wanted another suspenseful game, this was it.

Max Fried pitched great for Atlanta. He went seven innings, allowed five hits, two runs, two walks, and he had nine strikeouts. Fried never had any real high-stress pitches. He just hung two pitches to two different New York batters, and that cost him a win, and the game for Atlanta.

The Mets got on the board first when their second baseman, Jeff McNiel had an RBI single that scored pitcher Tyler Megill to give them a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third.

Atlanta tied the game in the top of the sixth inning when red-hot Riley hit a gigantic solo home run to straight away center. His home run made it a 1-1 game, and got the Braves back into the game.

However, in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mets broke the scoreless tie when Brandon Drury hit a solo home run making it a 2-1 game; New York on top. Fried hung a curveball over the plate and Drury did not miss it. A rare mistake from Max Fried was the difference in the game.

Atlanta had a chance to score in the top of the ninth inning, but a good, strong throw from Mets’ right fielder didn’t allowed that to happen, and New York sealed their 2-1 win.

Game Five: Drew Smyly vs. Taijuan Walker, Braves won 6-3

Drew Smyly only pitched four innings. In those four innings he allowed nine hits, three runs, one walk, and he had six strikeouts. He only threw 85 pitches, but he had runners all over the place in all four of those inning and it was a miracle Smyly didn’t surrender more than three runs to the Mets.

New York started the scoring in the bottom of the third inning when Dominic Smith had an RBI-single that scored Brandon Nimmo, to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. Smith was thrown out by Joc Pederson in right field while trying to advance to second base.

In the top of the fourth inning, the Braves got on the board with a two-run bomb from Austin Riley that scored my man Ozzie albies (he walked to start off the fourth inning) and gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead. Following a groundout by Dansby Swanson, Abraham Almonte hit a solo home run extending the Braves lead to 3-1.

Atlanta added onto their lead again in the top of the fifth inning. Guillermo Heredia led off the inning with a single. He was followed by a strikeout of Drew Smyly and then Joc Pederson singled, advancing Heredia to third. So with two on and one out, Ozzie Albies was up to bat. Ozzie had an RBI-single that scored Heredia and made it a 4-1 game. After my man, Ozzie’s single, Freddie Freeman struck out. With two outs, and still two on, Austin Riley was up to bat. He hit another Atlanta RBI-single that scored Pederson and made it 5-1 Braves.

The Mets got new life in the game when Pete Alonso hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. His home run made it a 5-3 game.

However, in the top of the eighth inning, Dansby Swanson hit a solo home run making it 6-3. His home run gave Atlanta some insurance, and the motivation to push through and win.

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This was a crucial series win for Atlanta. If they got swept by the Mets, let alone lost four of the five games, the Braves’ shot of making the postseason would have been as good as gone. But no, our beloved Atlanta Braves won the series and still have a shot in the division. However, in order for that to happen, the Braves need to really focus on winning games – and winning more than one game in a row. Atlanta has not won any consecutive games in a row since before the All-Star break. That has to change…and soon!!

Braves vs. Phillies Series Wrap

This series for the Atlanta Braves – against their division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies – was the start of the most crucial road trip of the season. At the end of the road trip, Atlanta will have played nine games in eight days: four against the Phillies and five against the New York Mets. So all of those games are within the Braves’ division, and I believe this series will make or break the Braves. If they don’t win at least one of the series, they will continue to get further and further back in the standing and have a much harder time at trying win the NL East, let alone trying to make it into the postseason.

Game One: Charlie Morton vs. Matt Moore, Braves won 7-2

This game was a great way for the Atlanta Braves to start this crucial series! Everything seemed to fire right on all cylinders.

Charlie Morton pitched very well. He went six innings, allowed four hits, two runs, four walks, and he had eight strikeouts. His command was good, he never really got into any trouble, and, for the most part, he was able to have control of the strike zone. His solid start from the mound was a key part of Atlanta’s win.

To start off the scoring for the Braves, Freddie Freeman had an RBI single that scored my man, Ozzie Albies, who reached base on a double in the previous at-bat.

Atlanta added onto their lead in the third inning. To start the inning, Charlie Morton struck out, and Joc Pederson grounded out to first. So with two outs, Ozzie and Freddie both had first pitch singles to keep the inning alive. Austin Riley then walked to load the bases. With two outs and the bases loaded, Dansby Swanson was up to bat. On the second pitch he saw, Swanson hit a GRAND SLAM to make it a 4-0 game – all Atlanta! That grand slam was the FIRST of Dansby Swanson’s career, and it was a good one!

The Braves scored yet another run in the top of the fourth when Orlando Arcia hit a solo home run. He knew it was gone right off the bat, and it went a long way!

Philadelphia scored two in the bottom of the seventh but couldn’t add on anymore runs. And, to score their final run, Austin Riley had a bases loaded walk in the top of the ninth to score Pablo Sandoval who reached base on a walk to start the ninth inning.

Game Two: Max Fried vs. Zack Wheeler, Braves lost 5-1

Lack of offense pretty much wraps up why the Braves didn’t win this game. Their pitching was good, but they gave up too many runs that Atlanta’s offense couldn’t make up for. We’ve seen it so much this season: they win one game and lose the next one (or two), over and over again.

Max Fried gave the Braves a pretty solid outing. He went five innings, allowed six hits, four runs, four walks, and he had six strikeouts. Fried hung a couple pitches and made a few mistakes, which the Phillis’ bats were all over.

The Braves scored their one and only run in the top of the third inning when Freddie Freeman had an RBI single to score Ozzie Albies, who had reached base on a double in the previous at-bat. That made it a 1-1 game. (The Phillies scored in the bottom of the first on a solo home run by J.T. Realmuto.

The Philadelphia Phillies scored four more times throughout the rest of the game, to make the final score 5-1, Philadelphia.

The Braves had a hard time producing offense in this game, but it was nice to see their bullpen only allow one run over four innings of relief. Atlanta’s bullpen seems to be getting better slowly but surely, and it’s nice to see them not blow a game every outing.

Game Three: Drew Smyly vs. Vince Velasquez, Braves won 15-3

Well, if you can’t tell by the score, this was an all-around good win for the Atlanta Braves. Their starting and relief pitching was very good, offense was through the roof, and defensively they did well!

Drew Smyly only went four innings, he left the game due to pain in his left knee. In those four innings he allowed three hits, zero runs, three walks, and he had three strikeouts. It would’ve been nice to have seen Smyly get the win, but obviously his health comes first, which is ultimately why he was taken out.

The Braves started off their scoring in the top of the first inning, when Freddie Freeman hit a two run home run to give them an early 2-0 lead. Abraham Almonte added onto their lead in the top of the second when he hit a solo home run, making it 3-0 Atlanta.

In the top of the third inning, Atlanta once again added onto their lead. Ozzie Albies started the inning with a ground out, and then Freeman followed him with a single. His single was followed by a walk to red-hot Austin Riley. Dansby Swanson had an RBI double that allowed Freddie to score, and advanced Riley to third, making it 4-0. Almonte had another hit – this time it was a two-RBI single that scored both Riley and Swanson, extending Atlanta’s lead to 6-0.

The Braves once again added onto their lead in the top of the sixth inning, on an RBI single by Joc Pederson that scored Guillermo Heredia, making it 7-0.

Philadelphia scored one run in the bottom of the sixth inning on an RBI double by Rhys Hoskins to make it a 7-1 game, Braves still on top.

As if they hadn’t scored enough runs already, the Atlanta Braves decided to add on some more! To start off the eighth inning, Guillermo Heredia reached base on a fielding error. Pablo Sandoval struck out to make the first out. Joc Pederson followed his strikeout with a single, and then my man Ozzie Albies, hit a gigantic three-run bomb making it 10-1 Atlanta. After Ozzie’s monstrous homer, Freeman walked and then Austin Riley hit a two-run shot, making it 12-1 Braves. WOW!

Philly got two more in the bottom of the eighth inning on an RBI fielder’s choice and a sac fly, to make it 12-3.

And then, to add the final blow for Atlanta, Joc Pederson ended his fantastic night at the plate with a three-run home run, making the final score 15-3 Atlanta. Way to go, Braves!

Game Four: Touki Toussaint vs. Aaron Nola, Braves lost 2-1

Touki Toussaint pitched extremely well for the Braves. He went seven innings, allowed five hits, one run, ZERO walks, and he had ten strikeouts… TEN! Not to mention he pitched a career high in innings-pitched. One slip-up cost Touki the game… but even though he got the loss, he pitched very well and should be proud. It is so nice to have Touki back in the lineup!

That one run Toussaint allowed came in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jean Segura hit a solo home run to make it 1-0 Phillies. They added onto that lead four innings later. In the bottom of the eighth inning, their second baseman Ronald Torreyes hit a solo home run to make it 2-0 Philadelphia.

The Braves scored their one and only run in the top of the ninth inning. It came on a two out, two-strike home run from Austin Riley to get Atlanta on the board, making it 2-1.

Atlanta didn’t have much luck against Aaron Nola, but at least they were able to score one off of him. But, again, here is where we see the struggles of Atlanta. They go from winning a game 15-3, and the next game they can’t produce any offense. This is yet another area where the Braves need to step it up if they have any hopes of making it to the playoffs.