Takeaways: The Braves dropped the series finale to the Tampa Bay Rays 10-4

A rough start from Bryce Elder led to a 10-4 loss to the Rays.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Jul 9, 2023 5:35 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays got the best of the Braves in the series finale, 8-4, but Atlanta still took the series.

This three-game set was a clash of the giant, and despite the finale loss, the Braves got the best of the Rays.

What can we take away from this loss as the Braves players prepare for the All-Star Break?

Bryce Elder had a rough go of it

Jul 3, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder (55) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports — Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Elder had the worst outing of his All-Star season, going 3.1 innings of six-hit baseball, allowing seven earned runs and walking four. The four walks were killer, as well as the 69 pitches, with only 38 being strikes. Elder got behind in this ball game, and when that happened, the Rays hitters did damage. This was a rough outing, but there is no doubt in my mind Elder will be back to his usual self after the All-Star break.

Austin Riley had a big game at the dish

Jun 10, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a sacrifice fly ball to drive in a run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports — Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Riley was one of the bright spots at the dish, going 3-4 with three singles in this game. Riley hit the ball hard in this series finale with the Rays and has his batting average at .266 heading into the All-Star break. Riley needs to continue hitting the ball well in the second half of the season and the postseason. If Riley rakes, this Braves team wins more times than not. Today was one of the times where a good game at the dish from Riley didn't lead to a Braves victory.

Joe Jiménez had a solid outing

Apr 21, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of Truist Park during a game between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in the fourth inning. — Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Jiménez had a solid outing going two innings of scoreless baseball and striking out two. Jiménez threw 22 pitches, with 14 of them being strikes, so he was able to fill the strike zone up. Jiménez has the ERA sitting at 2.93 through 30.2 innings pitched heading into the break, so the 28-year-old righty has had a solid year for the NL East leading Braves.

This was a big series win

Jul 4, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) celebrates his two-run home run with right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. — David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Don't let the blowout loss fool you. This was a big series win for the Braves. Getting blown out isn't fun, but this was a big weekend of baseball for the Braves and proved the point that they are the best team in baseball. The Atlanta Braves are going to make a magical run in the playoffs this season, and it will be a lot of fun to watch.

What's next?

The All-Star game will be played on Tuesday, July 11th, and will be on Fox. You can catch a handful of Braves players taking place in this fun celebration of the game we all love.