The Braves had a breakthrough on Tuesday night, scoring 7 runs, a feat they hadn’t accomplished in 20 games. The game saw standout performances from Matt Olson, who hit a home run, doubled, and drove in four runs, while Michael Harris II ended his drought with a home run. Marcell Ozuna contributed yet another RBI, and the team managed to avoid any baserunning mistakes.
Although scoring seven runs might have seemed excessive, considering they only needed one to secure the win, the Braves’ pitching, led by Chris Sale and two relievers, shut out the Cubs. Sale delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out nine batters and issuing no walks. Sale’s consistency has been impressive throughout the season, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike who compare his current form to his peak years between 2012 and 2018.
Mark Bowman’s recap of the game affirmed Sale’s ability to silence his doubters with his strong start to the season. Since mid-April, the Braves’ starting pitchers have boasted the best ERA in baseball, showcasing the effectiveness of offseason acquisitions like Sale and Reynaldo Lopez. Criticism of Alex Anthopoulos’ unconventional roster moves has dwindled as the team’s success continues. Even players like Max Fried and Charlie Morton, who faced initial doubts, have proven their worth on the field.
The significant margin of victory on Tuesday was a departure from the close games the Braves have experienced recently. Despite preferring low-scoring contests, fans appreciated the stress-free nature of the game, aptly termed a “laugher.” Newcomer Ray Short made an immediate impact, continuing his impressive performance at the plate, prompting speculation about his true identity and nickname preference.
Reflecting on the Braves’ success despite setbacks like injuries to key players, fans marvel at their current position, just two games behind the Phillies. While the Phillies enjoy a strong start to the season, the Braves’ resilience and ability to overcome obstacles make them a formidable opponent, much to the unease of their rivals. As they aim for a sweep in the next game, the Braves remain focused on proving their doubters wrong.
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