Takeaways: Atlanta takes game two from Miami 7-4, secures at least a series split
While not as dominant as last night, the Braves were victors again over division-rival Miami. Here are some key takeaways from the action.
Uncle Charlie
After Spencer Strider's ridiculous performance last night, veteran righty Charlie Morton was looking to keep the starting rotation's momentum going tonight, and he was certainly successful in that regard.
The bullpen has been fighting it on this homestand (more on that later), but the rotation has been strong. I mentioned Strider's dominance last night, but it's Bryce Elder who leads the NL in ERA currently. And after taking a very hard-luck L in his last start (a 1-0 loss at San Diego), Morton was salty tonight. Only a Jazz Chisholm homer marred what was otherwise a sterling outing, and he turned the ball over to the bullpen after tossing seven strong innings, punching out nine, and only allowing three hits and two walks. And with a scuffling 'pen, having a guy who can handle 108 pitches this early in the season is a nice luxury.
Bottoms Up
Ronald Acuña Jr. led off the game with a double and came around to score the game's first run, but after that, it was the bottom of the order's night to shine. The 5-9 spots in the lineup collected six hits and drove in seven runs, with three bombs and a double mixed in there. Ozzie Albies hit two of those dingers, both right-handed, and has the team lead in both homers (seven) and RBIs (23). He also now leads all middle-infielders in ya-yas, and this despite what was a cold start to the season.
It was also nice to see Eddie Rosario homer off a left-hander for the second straight night. (Miami has a seemingly endless supply of random lefties in their bullpen, so Eddie will probably keep getting chances to do this kind of damage.) With Marcell Ozuna essentially dead, whatever production the club can get from the left-field and DH spots is particularly valuable, and if Eddie Money can overcome platoon disadvantages, that's all the better.
No Relief
As sharp as Uncle Charlie and the offense were tonight, the bullpen once again struggled at home. Dylan Lee had been the team's most reliable option thus far, but he finally faltered tonight, only retiring one of the four men he faced in the eighth inning and being tagged with two earned runs. Batted-ball luck was not in his favor, and it'll be worth seeing how Atlanta's overall defense ranks as the season progresses. Range can be difficult to gauge just from the eye test alone.
But the good news was Collin McHugh returning to the mound this evening, and while the first batter he faced singled in a run, he induced a double-play grounder off the bat of Jean Segura to end the threat. Atlanta got those two runs back in the bottom of the inning, so instead of scuffling closer A.J. Minter, Jesse Chavez was summoned to get the final three outs.
Kevin Pillar almost made a great play, but a first-pitch sinker to former Astro Yuli Gurriel turned into an inside-the-park-homer. Some more bad ball-in-play luck eventually produced the terrifying prospect of mighty Jorge Soler coming to the plate representing the tying run. Uncle Jesse was able to bear down and strike the Brave legend out to end the game. Not as rough as what we saw repeatedly against Houston this weekend, but still a bit of a leaky effort from the 'pen. Let's see how they respond as the club continues a 17-day stretch with no off days.
Breaking Good News
Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman tweeted the above (referring of course to Michael Harris II) shortly after the game concluded, which is certainly a nice note to end the evening on.
What's Next
The Braves and Marlins are at it again tomorrow night, same Bat-time (7:20 ET), same Bat-channels (Bally Sports South and the Braves Radio Network). Reigning NL Cy Young Award-winner Sandy Alcantara goes for the Fish, and the Braves counter with the aforementioned NL ERA leader Bryce Elder. That should be fun, though Alcantara is off to a bit of a slow start this season. (He allowed nine earned runs against the Phillies two starts ago). The Braves then conclude matters with Miami on Thursday afternoon before heading to Queens to play the Mets this weekend.
Stories from the series vs the Miami Marlins
WATCH: Eddie Rosario, Ozzie Albies go back-to-back to extend the Braves' lead in the eighth
WATCH: Ozzie Albies extends the lead with a solo homer
WATCH: Braves string together a big fourth-inning rally
WATCH: Speed kills as Ronald Acuña Jr. scores first run of the night for Atlanta
Takeaways: Spencer Strider leads Atlanta to game one win vs Miami
WATCH: Sean Murphy blasts a home run to take lead vs Miami Marlins
WATCH: Spencer Strider's dangerous slider gets 4th strikeout
WATCH: Spencer Strider had two nasty strikeouts early
Injury updates: Michael Harris, Collin McHugh nearing returns
Podcast: Ronald Acuña Jr deserves better from the Braves offense
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