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    Takeaways: The Braves drop game one of their three-game set with the Dodgers

    The Braves bats went cold after a four-run first inning.

    With the NL East race heating up, the Braves need to continue winning series, and that goal didn't get off to a hot start in game one against the Dodgers. 

    J.D. Martinez looked like he was back in his prime as he dominated all game long. 

    The Braves dropped this game 8-6 after jumping out to a first inning 4-0 lead. 

    What can we take away from this game one loss to the Dodgers? 

    Eddie Rosario had a big game

    May 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Eddie Rosario (8) is greet in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

    Eddie Rosario was the offense for the Braves in this game, going 2-4 with three RBI's and two runs scored. He launched a three-run bomb in the first that gave the Braves an early lead. Rosario has been a reliable player for the Braves for years now, and with all of the injuries the Braves have sustained this year, he will be a big part of this team all season. It's good to see him seeing the ball well at the dish. 

    Charlie Morton left his pitches over the plate

    May 9, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) throws against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

    The homers J.D. Matinez and Freddie Freeman hit were on center-cut pitches from Charlie Morton. MLB players are going to do damage when pitches are thrown right down the middle. When Morton isn't hitting corners, he can get rocked at times, and that is what happened to the veteran in this ball game. Morton has had a good season, and I don't predict him having any issues bouncing back from this tough start. 

    The Braves got out to a hot start then cooled off

    May 19, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a double against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Truist Park.

    I am a big believer in keeping the pedal to the metal, and the Braves didn't do that in this ball game. They went out to an early 4-0 lead but then didn't tack on much after that in the final eight frames. Crooked numbers are awesome, but you can't rely on them; you still have to tack on throughout the game. The Braves do a great job scoring early, but you have to sustain that throughout the game, and that didn't happen in this ball game.  

    What's Next? 

    Game two of this three-game set with the Dodgers with be played at 6:20 pm ct and will be nationally televised on TBS. Bobby Miller will get the ball for the Dodgers, while Spencer Strider will get it for the Braves. 

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