Takeaways: The Braves dropped the series opener 6-5 to the Tigers in extras

The Braves blew a three-run lead ending in a 6-5 loss to the Tigers.

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Jun 12, 2023 10:12 PM EDT

The Braves dropped a heartbreaker to the Tigers after Raisel Iglesias blew a three-run lead in the ninth.

This one hurts, but the series is still up for grabs.

What can we take away from this 6-5 loss to the Tigers?

Raisel Iglesias lost the lead

Jun 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) celebrates after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. — Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Raisel Iglesias came into the ball game with a three-run lead and proceeded to allow three runs on five hits. This blown save has the Braves closers ERA over four, so the question is, what do we do from here? It doesn't seem like a change is necessary. Iglesias had a handful of good outings in a row, so you have to believe this is a one-off. Not having a reliable closer kills ball clubs, and Braves fans need to hope Iglesias is nails in the postseason or stuff like this could happen in October.

Charlie Morton was good but need to sharpen up

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 — Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Morton had a good outing going 5.2 innings of scoreless baseball striking out eight. The problem in this outing was that Morton threw 104 pitches and only 61 strikes. That is inefficient and leads to starters not going deep in the game. Morton has been outstanding this season and had hitters looking silly in this game, but the veteran righty needs to fill the zone up more to go deeper in games.

Michael Harris II had a big game

Jun 10, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) catches a sacrifice fly ball hit by second baseman Luis Garcia (2) (not shown) during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports — Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Harris II had a big game going 3-4, including a homer. Harris II reached base all four times as his one at-bat, not ending in a hit he reached via a fielding error. It hasn't been pretty for Harris II early in the season, but perhaps this outing is a sign of what is to come.

What's Next?

Game two of the series will be played at 5:40 ct. Spencer Strider will get the ball for the Braves, with Reese Olson getting the start for the Tigers.