The Atlanta Braves faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the series finale, a matchup that initially appeared to heavily favor the Dodgers. With two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell taking the mound for Los Angeles and injury replacement call-up Bryce Elder starting for Atlanta, the stage was set for an intense game. However, both pitchers struggled, lasting less than four innings each.
The Braves were the first to hit, taking the lead in the opening frame for the second consecutive night. A key error by Max Muncy allowed Marcell Ozuna to score, after walks from Ozuna and Matt Olson. Nick Allen, who is gradually securing a starting role over Orlando Arcia, hit a double to extend Atlanta’s lead to 2-0.
In his return, Bryce Elder made a notable impact in the first inning, forcing Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts into groundouts, followed by a strikeout of Teoscar Hernández with a perfectly placed sinker. The Braves maintained their momentum into the second inning, with newly acquired Stuart Fairchild reaching base due to another error by Muncy. Fairchild advanced to second on a wild pitch, and Eli White contributed with a bunt single.
With the bases loaded, Ozzie Albies delivered a crucial double to widen the score to 3-0. Following a walk to Ozuna, Austin Riley struck out, but Olson stepped up with a double that brought in two more runs, making the score 5-0. Despite a hard-hit ball from Bryan De La Cruz reaching a velocity of 105.5 mph, it was snagged by Betts.
Unfortunately for Elder, the second inning was less favorable. After walking Michael Conforto, he managed to get Will Smith to fly out, but Tommy Edman hit a home run to center, reducing the Braves' lead to 5-2. Elder regained composure, forcing two consecutive groundouts to end the inning.
The Braves offense fell silent in the third inning, going three-up-three-down. Elder returned to the mound and showcased his improved form, striking out Andy Pages and getting Ohtani and Betts out through a flyout and groundout, respectively.
In the fourth inning, the Braves looked poised to extend their lead. Despite a lineout from White and a strikeout from Albies, Ozuna walked, followed by a single from Riley. Unfortunately, Olson grounded out, halting any potential scoring. By this point, Snell’s night was over after allowing five runs, though none were earned due to defensive errors.
Elder, showing signs of fatigue, struck out Hernández but gave up a solo home run to Conforto. He then allowed a single to Smith and a walk to Edman before managing to sit down the next batters. After four innings, Elder’s line showed three hits, three earned runs, three walks, and six strikeouts.
In the fifth inning, the Braves went three-up-three-down again, with both De La Cruz and Allen striking out. Pitcher Enyel De Los Santos faced some early trouble but managed to recover, including a double play initiated by a line drive catch from himself.
The sixth inning saw the Braves attempt to rally, with Chadwick Tromp walking and Michael Harris entering the game, hitting a single to put two on base. Yet again, the Braves failed to capitalize, leaving the bases loaded without a run.
With the game tied at 5-5 in the eighth inning, Raisel Iglesias came in to pitch for the Braves. After a challenging inning where he allowed a walk and a groundout, Max Muncy redeemed himself from his earlier errors by hitting a two-run double, effectively tying the game.
In the ninth inning, the Braves had their heart of the order up but were unable to produce results, with Riley and Olson grounding out, and Jarred Kelenic striking out. Despite having a lead earlier in the game, Raisel Iglesias remained on the mound, allowing Shohei Ohtani to hit a walk-off solo shot, sealing the win for the Dodgers.
With this loss, the Braves have now dropped seven straight games to begin the season. Although the offense displayed potential, the inability to capitalize on key opportunities, especially with the bases loaded and no outs, is sure to sting. The Braves will take a day off before facing the Miami Marlins at home on Friday at 7:15 EDT, where they will aim for their first victory of the season.
