The offense finally had a big game.
Last week, while the Braves did go 5-2, their offense also struggled. It was great to see Atlanta’s pitching perform at the level that it did, but winning consistently while only scoring around three runs a game is a hard trend to sustain.
Fortunately, the Braves decided the start of this week would be different. Atlanta scored 9 runs in the first two innings of Monday night’s game, before weather delayed play for about ninety minutes. Eventually, the Braves earned a 10-6 victory.
The number of the night was five, as Whit Merrifield had five hits while Matt Olson had five RBIs. Merrifield has great as a Braves, but the Olson’s performance may be the most significant from last night. He has had an up and down season, from being incredibly hot to ice cold. But as last night showed, Olson can clearly take over a game any time he wants. The Braves need that version of Olson as much as possible moving forward.
Braves News
While the Braves did get the series victory over the Nationals, Sunday was once again a day of struggles for Atlanta.
The offense coming alive to start the road trip was an ideal development as the Braves start out a another pivotal week against some tough competition in the Twins and Phillies.
Lucas Braun flirted with a no-hitter over the weekend.
Justin Toscano writes about Brian Snitker managing his 4000th game in the Braves organization, a truly insane number.
Toscano also highlights that Braves outfielder Michael Harris II did enter the game as a sub on Monday against the Twins and his feeling a lot better.
MLB News
Danny Jansen made history as he became the first player to play for both teams in the same MLB game. In Jansen’s case, he was traded from the Blue Jays to the Red Sox in July. The teams continued a suspended game on Monday that started before the trade occurred, allowing for Jansen to make history.
Bryce Harper delivered a walk-off hit for the Phillies.
The Pirates are moving O’Neil Cruz to the outfield. He will mainly play center field.
The Dodgers officially released Jason Hayward.
Drew Smyly was placed on outright waivers by the Cubs.
Javier Báez will miss the rest of the season due to hip surgery.