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Takeaways from Atlanta's series opening loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Braves almost rallied in the 9th but a homerun saving catch by Lourdes Gurriel Jr was the difference in this one

The Atlanta Braves dropped a close matchup to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-2, on Friday night in the desert to open their three game series this weekend. Here’s what you need to know from the contest: 

Eddie Rosario was an offensive machine on Friday night

Jun 2, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Eddie Rosario (8) slaps hands with Atlanta Braves third base coach Ron Washington (37) after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Chase Field.

Much has been written recently, including on this very site, about the lack of production Atlanta’s been getting from left field.

Well, Eddie Rosario heard you.

Atlanta’s left fielder hit two solo home runs, one in the 2nd and a game-tying shot in the 7th, to provide all of Atlanta’s run production in this one. The Braves mustered only seven hits against the Diamondbacks, with Merrill Kelly allowing only five hits and two runs in his seven innings of work, with eight strikeouts to three walks. 

Rosario finished the game 3-4 with two runs and two RBIs.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr singlehandedly saved the victory over Atlanta

Jun 2, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) leaps at the wall and makes a catch against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Chase Field.

Down 3-2, Atlanta almost took the lead in the 9th inning, with Sean Murphy singling himself on to open the frame. With Sam Hilliard in as a pinch-runner, DH Travis d’Arnaud sent one 394 feet to left field at 101.6 mph off the bat.

Shame it wasn’t 395 feet.

Diamondbacks veteran outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went up and robbed the would be go-ahead home run, preserving the Snakes lead at one.

Eddie Rosario would continue to come through in the clutch, singling to left and advancing Hilliard, representing the tying run, to 3rd with only one out.

But Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia both couldn’t drive him in and Atlanta dropped the opening game of the contest. 

Charlie Morton is Mr. Reliable

Jun 2, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field.

Uncle Charlie did his job in this one, turning in yet another quality start. The veteran went seven innings, allowing six hits and three runs, with two walks and nine strikeouts. 

Arizona got to him early - after two 1st inning singles, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a two-out double to left that scored both Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll, but Morton would settle in from there, allowing only three hits and one run - a two-out RBI double by Christina Walker in the 3rd - that should have been enough for Atlanta to win. 

It's hard to be mad about a quality start, especially when you've had the rotation issues that Atlanta's dealt with over the course of the 2023 season.   

What's next for the Atlanta Braves?

Atlanta is out for revenge tomorrow night, with some Braves After Dark. First pitch in game two is scheduled for 10:10 PM ET, with Spencer Strider facing off against Ryne Nelson. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports Southeast and is available on MLB.TV outside of the broadcast area. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com.

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Eddie RosarioCharlie Morton

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