Braves drop the series opener to Boston in a frustrating 5-1 loss, as early momentum fades and the bats go quiet once again.
Braves Open Series Against Red Sox
The Braves returned home tonight in hopes of starting the weekend strong and repeating the success they had in Boston. Grant Holmes took the ball for Atlanta, while Lucas Giolito countered for Boston.
After Holmes breezed through the opening frame ending with back to back strikeouts of Carlos Narváez and Marcelo Mayer, Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Braves’ offense found some early momentum. Acuña Jr. led off the first with a single off Giolito and later came around to score on a Matt Olson RBI single.
Acuña Jr. just barely made it across the plate safely, as Carlos Narváez could not handle Wilyer Abreu’s throw in from right. Atlanta took a 1-0 lead, and that is where it stayed for a while.
Holmes Dominates Early, But Red Sox Strike Back
Holmes and Giolito traded scoreless frames through the next three innings. Holmes looked locked in from the start, locating pitches well and striking out Red Sox batters at a high clip. Through 3.2 innings, he had already collected seven strikeouts.
However, the Red Sox finally broke through in the fourth. With two outs, Abraham Toro stayed on a Holmes curveball and punched it to right for a single. That set up Trevor Story, who sent a two-run homer over the wall to give Boston a 2-1 lead.
Braves Offense Goes Quiet Again
The Braves offense could not back up Holmes, as they struggled to produce much after the first inning. Giolito settled in and kept Atlanta at bay, giving up just one run on five hits over 4.2 innings with three strikeouts and two walks.
The Braves recorded some hits but could not turn them into runs, a familiar theme this season. The team finished just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base.
Holmes Grinds Into the Sixth, Bullpen Falters Late
Holmes did his best to keep the game close. He worked into the sixth inning before giving up a double to Carlos Narváez, who came around to score on another Toro RBI double. Holmes’ night ended with a solid line of 5.2 innings pitched, three runs allowed on six hits, nine strikeouts, and one walk. He left with a 3.78 ERA.
Enyel De Los Santos followed Holmes and kept the game at 3-1, but the Braves could not capitalize in the bottom of the seventh despite getting two runners on. A Luke Williams leadoff double and an Albies hit by pitch gave Atlanta a chance, but Ozuna struck out and Olson grounded out to end the threat. Olson’s ground out looked questionable, as it appeared Abraham Toro was off the bag as he caught the throw, but the call went Boston’s way after review.
The Red Sox put the game away in the ninth, stringing together back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. Pierce Johnson came on for Dylan Dodd, and Jarren Duran loaded the bases on a fielder’s choice. Rafael Devers then delivered the knockout punch with a two-RBI single, scoring David Hamilton and Ceddanne Rafaela to make it 5-1.
Final Thoughts
The Braves just could not find a way to break through offensively, finishing the night 6-for-33 at the plate. Holmes’ outing was not the absolute best, but he wasn’t terrible. The team’s struggles with runners in scoring position, and lack of hitting once again told the story.
Key Stat: Braves 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, nine left on base.
What’s Next
Tomorrow is a new day, as Spencer Schwellenbach gets the ball for Atlanta. Boston will counter with Walker Buehler. First pitch is set for 4:10 PM EDT, and you can see it on FanDuel Sports Network.
