Well, at least the rain decided to make an appearance.
Sonny Gray came out dealing, needing just 36 pitches to cruise through three innings with five strikeouts. The Braves scratched across a run in the third, and it felt like they were starting to figure him out the second time through the order—though the shifting weather may have played a role in that. Honestly, I’m not in a rush to find out what might’ve happened if Gray had been able to pitch uninterrupted.
Davis Daniel got the last-minute call-up and was basically asked to eat innings. And to his credit, he did the job—just one run allowed over four solid frames. He likely could’ve gone longer if not for, you guessed it, another rain delay.
The delays were a circus. It rained, the game was supposedly restarting, then it didn’t… then it did… only to stop yet again. It was confusing, disjointed, and honestly, a fitting metaphor for the season’s first half.
Steven Matz tried to take over for Gray and provide some length, but the weather interruptions limited his impact. Gordon Graceffo followed him and dominated Atlanta’s lineup with ease.
On the other side, Jesse Chavez came in for Daniel and got lit up by the Cardinals, giving up four critical runs in just two innings. At this point, it’s hard to understand why he’s still occupying a roster spot.
Then Wander Suero entered—and suddenly, it was like discovering a hidden gem. The journeyman reliever struck out three over two strong innings. Maybe he should’ve been used instead of Chavez… but that’s hindsight for you.
The top of the ninth perfectly captured the Braves’ frustrating day. They had something brewing—Ozuna walked, Profar singled—but then Olson struck out, and both Acuña and Murphy grounded out to end it. Atlanta left nine runners stranded overall, and those missed chances proved costly.
Enjoy the next few nights off. Atlanta’s hosting the All-Star festivities, and it’s always nice to show off the home park. We’ll be back at it soon enough.
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