The Braves are on a hot streak…and not a positive one, as Bryce Elder is expected to take the mound against the Athletics.
Who’s ready to watch the Atlanta Braves attempt to to win a game series?
Before you scroll away, trust me, what’s understood doesn’t need to be said.
It was just last week, right before the Fourth of July, when we were discussing Bryce Elder and what he had to do to help the Braves succeed in the way they needed to.
Instead of following the plan, he did exactly what fans were expecting.
Giving up four earned runs and eight hits across five innings against the series-winning Angels, the Braves’ offense was only able to muster up one run after a homer from Jurickson Profar in the bottom of the ninth during that game.
It’s already been discussed what needs to be taken care of for a dominant performance from Elder before his last outing, along with his previous few mound appearances.
The same execution applies in this competition after a disappointing blowout against the Athletics in yesterday’s game (10-1). This time, it’s even more crucial than the last.
The Braves, still fourth in the NL East with a 39-51 record, are officially in a sticky situation of having to play catch-up with the All-Star break promptly creeping up and the trade deadline around the corner.
Mitch Spence with the Athletics (38-55) is arriving with a 4.06 ERA. After getting his first career save back in April, along with coming off his first career start at Yankee Stadium last week (5 IP/ 3 H/ 2 ER/ 4 BB/ 5 SO), he’s slowly becoming an effective piece in their bullpen.
Known for getting majorly weak contact—especially with his cutter (81.9 mph) and slider (84.6 mph) through his appearances, it’s the run support fom yesterday that will be needed to back him up in today’s game to help build that confidence and command against the Braves’ offense that may or may not show up.
It’s a toss-up on both sides.
Frankly, as was said against the Angels, it’s unknown which Bryce Elder will show up, as he’s had successful performances that were sprinkled in the beginning of the season, but, just as the story goes for the offense, consistency is the issue.
First pitch is set for 10:05 p.m.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, July 9th, 10:05 P.M. EDT
Location: Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan