Takeaways: Braves fall short against the Chicago White Sox

The Atlanta Braves battled back multiple times in Saturday night's contest but they ultimately fell short in the second game of the series against the Chicago White Sox. They lost 6-5.

The theme was that Atlanta kept battling back but every time they went on a run, Chicago was able to answer with a run of their own. Atlanta had the bases loaded in the eighth inning and was unable to score.

Then they were in prime position to score in the bottom of the ninth but ultimately fell just shy as the game ended on a double play.

Here are some takeaways from the Saturday night loss.

Spencer Strider's 10 strikeouts gave the Braves a chance

Outside of the third inning, Strider was incredible. He struck out 10 White Sox in his 6.0 innings pitched.

The start of his career has been historic, According to Codify Baseball, Strider has struck out 341 batters in 39 career MLB starts and if that sounds like a hell of a lot it's because it is! No other pitcher in MLB history has had more Ks in their first 39 starts.

Strider allowed a home run and eight hits Saturday night.

Ronald Acuña for NL MVP

A two-run homer from Acuña tied the action up 3-3 before the White Sox sent more guys across home plate. Then he cut the lead to one in the ninth with a solo shot. Another multi-homer game for Acuña adds to his impressive 2023 resume and he is now currently projected to end the season with 39 home runs and 75 steals. While it's short of the 40/40 season, it's still pretty remarkable.

He leads the National League in stolen bases (42) and OPS (.992).

Is this a flashback to the Oakland series?

It's not a perfect reflection of the Atlanta vs Oakland series from earlier in the season but the big picture idea is the same - The Braves may drop a series to a team that they are significantly better than. Oakland is the last team to win a series against Atlanta. After 11 straight series wins against a mix of teams better than the White Sox and A's, Atlanta went on a run that earned them the top spot in all of baseball.

Sure, it's baseball and the beauty of the game is you never know what the outcome is going to be but it is a weird coincidence.

What's next for the Atlanta Braves?

Atlanta takes on Chicago in game three and the rubber match of the series on Sunday, July 16th at 12:30 PM ET. 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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