© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Morning Meeting: Bryce Harper's Been Reading Braves Today
The National League East saw some cancellations, some fireworks, and an unlikely pitcher's duel last night
I’m sure glad Bryce Harper’s a reader of the Braves Today and The Morning Meeting - after I noted his slow start in Tuesday's edition, he picked last night to kick off his 2024 season in style, launching two solo shots and a grand slam to absolutely bury the Cincinnati Reds.
Let's look at what each team did yesterday, where they currently stand in the division as of this morning, and what today's game has in store. It's The Morning Meeting!
Who is winning the National League East right now?
(divisional standings as of April 3rd)
Braves - 3-2 (.600), -- GB, +21 run diff
Phillies - 2-3 (.400), 1.0 GB, -11 run diff
Nationals - 1-3 (.250), 1.5 GB, -10 run diff
Mets - 0-4 (.000), 2.5 GB, -11 run diff
Marlins - 0-6 (.000), 3.5 GB, -19 run diff
Game recaps from yesterday
Atlanta Braves
The Braves got a surprisingly unexpected pitcher's duel, as converted relievers Garrett Crochet and Reynaldo López combined for six total baserunners in the first five innings of play. Each pitcher ended up going at least six innings (with Crochet coming back out for the seventh) and allowing only one run each.
Atlanta's Wednesday series finale is up in the air - Chicago was forecast to get between two and four inches of snow overnight, with more accumulation expected throughout the morning. If the game is postponed, manager Brian Snitker has already indicated he'd push Spencer Strider back to Friday's home opener versus the Arizona Diamondbacks rather than skip his turn in the rotation.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies in general, and Bryce Harper in particular, were obviously annoyed by losing Monday’s game in extra innings and took it out on Cincinnati, winning 9-4 thanks to the aforementioned three home runs from Bryce Harper.
Harper logged three runs and six RBIs with the homers, including scoring his 1000th career run with the second solo shot, both coming off of starter Graham Ashcraft. The seventh-inning grand slam off of reliever Brent Suter staked Philly to an 8-1 lead, easily enough to hold despite yesterday’s callup Ricardo Pinto allowing three runs across the final three innings.
Washington Nationals
Washington was off on Tuesday; the Nationals finish their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday and Thursday before hosting the Phillies this weekend in Nationals Park for three games.
New York Mets
The Mets were set to host the Detroit Tigers for the middle game of their three-game series last night, but weather forced it to be rescheduled to Thursday’s off day. First pitch tonight is at 7:10 and tomorrow’s makeup is at 1:10 PM, with the Mets loading up and heading to Cincinnati after the game concludes on Thursday for Friday’s series opener.
Miami Marlins
For the first time in franchise history, Miami's 0-6 after they dropped the 2nd game of their series against the Los Angeles Angels, 3-1. Miami’s lone run came on a 9th-inning homer from Bryan De La Cruz, his first of the season and only the 4th for Miami in their first six games. Miami picked up only five hits while striking out six times.
It spoiled another good start from Jesus Luzardo - Miami’s Opening Day starter went 5.1 innings with three runs allowed on four hits, walking two and striking out five. Two of the runs came in the fifth inning, including one after Luzardo left the game.
MVP's for Tuesday
Hitter: Philly’s Bryce Harper - 3-4, 3 HR, 3R, 6 RBIs
Pitcher: Philly’s Spencer Turnbull - 5.0 IP, 3H, 1R (0 ER), 0BB, 7Ks
Who's playing today?
Assuming the weather holds, every team’s back in action today.
Miami (Puk) vs LAA (Sandoval), 1:10 PM
Atlanta (Strider) @ CWS (TBD), 2:10 PM
Philadelphia (Wheeler) vs CIN (Montas), 4:05 PM (moved back from 1:05 due to the forecast)
Washington (Williams) vs PIT (Keller), 6:45 PM
New York (Houser) vs DET (Mize), 7:10 PM
Enjoy the games, everyone.