Takeaways for the Braves series finale against Kansas City

The Atlanta Braves held on to secure the series sweep with a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon. Here's what you need to know about the contest:

Kyle Wright looked better today

Wright made his first start of the season last Tuesday and was only okay, giving up four runs in three innings against the Reds on April 11th. The righty had a slow start to the season due to offseason shoulder soreness, and it showed in his first start.

Today, Wright looked more like the pitcher that led MLB in wins last year.

Wright pitched 5.2 innings with four hits, two runs, and three walks to six strikeouts while throwing 95 pitches.

His velocity still seems to be a bit off, with the sinker averaging 92 and maxing out at 93, still about 2+ MPH below last year's averages, but the changeup still looked good and he totaled 13 swings and misses amongst his 95 pitches. His 26% CSW (called strikes plus whiffs) is right around league average, so as his velocity returns he should be closer to last year's version.

The offense continues to rake

Atlanta only hit one home run in this game, a 4th inning shot by Ozzie Albies measured at 101.7 off the bat and traveling a (wind-assisted) 376 feet into the Royals bullpen. Atlanta finished with ten hard-hit balls in the contest, eight off of Royals starter Zach Greinke.

WATCH: Ozzie Albies launches a home run into the Royals bullpen

Final line for Atlanta was five runs on seven hits, with four of the seven hits being for extra bases.

Make it 6️⃣ in a row!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/ihhLgf3gh0
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 16, 2023

Have the Atlanta Braves found a piece in Sam Hilliard?

The 29 year-old outfielder was originally a 2015 15h round pick by the Colorado Rockies, and was traded to Atlanta this offseason for RHP Dylan Spain.

Since Michael Harris II went to the IL with a lower back strain, Hilliard's started seven games and has reached base in all but one of them, going 8-23 since Harris's injury with four extra base hits (one homer), two RBIs, and five runs scored.

He's also played a more than capable centerfield, grading out positive on defense and occasionally contributing highlight reel-worthy plays. He doesn't fit the "standard" profile of a power-hitting left fielder, but if he can continue to produce at this level once Harris comes back, it gives Atlanta further options to increase the performance of that left field spot and further prevent Marcell Ozuna from needing a roster spot.

Sam Hilliard. Whew.

He's playing out of his mind right now. pic.twitter.com/D8dL6bnPVY
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 15, 2023

What's next?

Atlanta's heading to San Diego for a rematch with the San Diego Padres. Atlanta won the series opener on Thursday, April 6th before dropping three straight, and hasn't lost since.

Atlanta's expected to send Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton to the mound for games two and three, opposing Blake Snell and Nick Martinez, respectively. It's believed that Max Fried will be activated prior to Monday's series opener, tentatively expected to be against Padres lefty Ryan Weathers.

First pitch for the series opener is at 9:40 ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports South, 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.

More stories from the Royals series

WATCH: Vaughn Grissom gives Atlanta a late lead versus the Royals

Takeaways: Braves win game two and the series against the Royals

Takeaways: Braves take game one in the Royals series

Atlanta Braves officially call up Vaughn Grissom

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