The Atlanta Braves suffered an 8-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs despite a late rally at Wrigley Field. The Braves’ starting pitcher, Bryce Elder, struggled, allowing seven runs, five of which were earned, over 4 1/3 innings. The Cubs took advantage of Elder’s rough start, hitting two home runs in a five-run first inning.
Elder has had his ups and downs this season, but overall, he has exceeded expectations and played a significant role in the Braves’ success. Despite two recent good starts, Elder couldn’t find his rhythm on Saturday. He acknowledged that he beat himself with walks and acknowledged that tough stretches are inevitable in baseball.
In the first inning, Elder walked the first two Cubs he faced, although he felt he commanded the ball well and narrowly missed his spots. He went on to give up two home runs, including one to former teammate Dansby Swanson. Despite his struggles, Elder pitched into the fifth inning and allowed two more runs before being replaced.
In the fourth inning, Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna was ejected after arguing with home-plate umpire Ryan Blakney. Ozuna disagreed with the called third strike and voiced his opinion as he walked back to the dugout. The exchange between Ozuna and Blakney remained relatively calm, but Blakney ultimately ejected the Braves’ outfielder. Manager Brian Snitker didn’t fault Ozuna, stating that he simply argued a little too long after being told to stop.
The Braves made some costly mistakes throughout the game. In the first inning, a grounder hit by a Cubs player couldn’t be fielded cleanly by the Braves’ Matt Olson, resulting in two runs scoring. There were also instances when outfielders hesitated or made questionable decisions on the basepaths, preventing potential runs from being scored.
Despite the loss, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. continued his impressive performance at the plate, collecting three hits for the third consecutive game. This marks the first time Acuña has achieved three consecutive three-hit games in his career.
Looking ahead, the Braves will send Charlie Morton to the mound for the series finale against the Cubs’ Justin Steele. It will be a crucial game for the Braves as they aim to bounce back from their loss and secure a win before heading into their next matchup.
Overall, the Braves’ loss serves as a reminder that baseball is filled with ups and downs, and teams must navigate through adversity throughout the long season. Bryce Elder’s struggles and Marcell Ozuna’s ejection were significant setbacks for the Braves, but they will look to learn from these experiences and regroup for future games. With the strong performances of players like Ronald Acuña Jr., the Braves remain optimistic about their chances moving forward.
