Braves news: Atlanta fails no-hit bid in eighth, game in ninth, barrels analysis, and more.
The Braves had a disappointing start to their West Coast road trip.
On Monday, the Braves didn’t get their first hit in the ninth inning until the seventh.
The Mariners didn’t record their first hit until the eighth inning.
Max Fried pitched six no-hit innings, and Joe Jimenez utilized some magic to keep Atlanta’s 1-0 lead going into the ninth inning.
Unfortunately, the final outcome was disheartening for Atlanta. AJ Minter let up a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning as Atlanta fell to the Mariners 2–1. Atlanta’s pitching effort was exceptional, building on their recent run of excellent performances on the mound. However, there simply wasn’t enough offense to secure the victory.
It’s difficult to pick apart the Braves’ recent play, but if it appears that the Braves haven’t been as successful late in games (apart from Sunday), there’s a good explanation. Cleveland and Seattle have the two best bullpen ERAs in the majors, and both are in the top seven in baseball in terms of overall ERA. While Atlanta has performed admirably on the mound, runs are simply difficult to come by at the moment due to the caliber of opposition pitchers.
Of course, the fact that Atlanta’s top half of the lineup (top four places combined) is 26th in OPS and 25th in wRC+ compared to every other MLB team’s top half of the lineup over the last two weeks becomes more important in close games like Monday. This is often a game in which Atlanta’s greatest hitters perform admirably, as Austin Riley and Matt Olson demonstrated on Sunday. Sometimes it’s simply not possible. On Monday, however, Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Riley, and Olson combined for nine strikeouts, indicating that there is still opportunity for development.
Braves News
Another reason it is difficult to find consistent offense is when hard-hit balls do not provide the expected results. Stephen Tolbert examines how the Braves are not yet reaping the full benefits of their strong contact this season.
Premium pitching will be the primary story as the series continues against the Mariners, with Reynaldo Lopez facing Luis Castillo on Tuesday.
So far this season in Gwinnett, AJ Smith Shawver has thrown more high velocity throws than usual.
Jarred Kelenic spoke with the Seattle media upon his return to play his former squad.
Justin Toscano examines how Austin Riley, in particular, is dealing with lower-than-expected performance this season.
David OBrien discusses Acuna Jr.’s recent troubles, but explains why Kevin Seitzer feels everything will be OK.
MLB News: Max Kepler led the Twins to their seventh consecutive win.
The Orioles defeated the Yankees in a key NL East matchup.
The Cubs defeated the Mets in another MLB pitcher’s duel, while the Phillies were unable to fully recover in a loss to the Angels.
Bill Shaikin provides the latest information on the Athletics’ future stadium plans.
Jesus Luzardo of the Marlins suffers a slight left flexor muscle strain. He’s currently on the injured list.
Carlos Correa of the Twins has returned off the disabled list.
