What happens when an immovable object meets an irresistible force? 20 year old Eury Perez came in to challenge the Braves record breaking offense with a 1.34 ERA and 54 K’s in 47 IP. He left with a 2.47 ERA and 54 K’s in 47 1/3 innings, as objects moved all over Truist Park in a 6 run first inning.
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies hit back to back homers to lead off the bottom of the first, and that was essentially that. Austin Riley and Matt Olson followed with singles, then Sean Murphy and Marcell Ozuna added doubles, and the Braves had 6 hits and 5 runs before the first out. Orlando Arcia followed an Eddie Rosario ground out with the 3rd double of the inning to chase Perez and force the Marlins to burn 7 1/3 innings of bullpen going into the series finale Sunday.
Charlie Morton and the bullpen kept the pressure off the offense to choose any further violence. Morton could not quite manage to get through the 6th inning, leaving after 5 2/3s and 106 pitches. He struck out 5, including the 1,800th of his career. Kirby Yates, Nick Anderson, Ben Heller, and Joe Jimenez completed the shutout.
Riley and Olson doubled in the 8th to tally a 7th run, just in case the Marlins were starting to get any ideas.
The Braves have now won 23 of their last 27, with 3 of the losses by 1 run. They go for the series sweep at 1:35 Sunday; Spencer Strider and Sandy Alcantara scheduled.
Braves Sunday Lineup
In Which Ryan Makes Mets Fans Angry
I post a lot on Twitter, but never have I made a viral post, until yesterday when I reminded the Mets fanbase how bad their team has been since Pete Alonso ran his mouth. Thus far, I’ve been asked if I married my sister, what my trailer looks like, and how many cousins I’ve kissed.
It was such a fun game, Rusty, and the irresistible force continued to do its thing. Everyone but Mike had at least one hit and Uncle Charlie was good enough, narrowly missing plunking several hitters.
Let’s sweep ‘em and eliminate all doubt tomorrow!
After 4 minutes, Charlie discussing the offense and the team spirit. Very cool.
Thanks, Timo. I like that.
Charlie has been a really stabilizing force this year, with all of the disruptions to the rotation, and he’s been such a critical mentor to the younger pitchers on the staff. I’m so glad we brought him back this year.
This will serve as a Sunday game thread too
I love listening to Charlie’s analyses and reflections. He’s not a dynamic speaker, but everything he says is insightful. And he threw in a Jair Jurrjens reference! Gotta love that.
Jair Jurrjens…yes!!!
I mustache you a question – in addition to Strider, who you got today? Who’s your pick to click today?
It’s been fun watching the Braves assert their dominance over the Marlins the past two games. The Fish are now 1-8 this season against the Braves. Here’s hoping it becomes 1-9 this afternoon.
One other little statistical point. If you reverse the record of the Marlins against the Braves, then the Marlins would be the best team in the league with a big division lead and vying for best team in MLB.
Feels like a regression-to-the-mean day.
So far not so good
Not a great start, but I do believe the Hammers will get to Sandy today!
Agree, Christian. No reason not to believe that.
LOL at Gaudin and Frenchy talking like anybody is even contemplating the suggestion that Luis Arraez is more valuable than Ronald Acuna.
I’m rather enjoying the Money Mikey show at the moment.
Add: Ozzie!
Ozzie is not getting enough love. He’s having a great season. 20 HR before the ASB.
Ozzie has been great! Glad we got to Alcantara. Let’s finish off the sweep now – shut em out the rest of the way.
Strider has found his groove. Got a little unlucky there in the second. He’s pitching a great game.
Twas a mistake leaving Strider out there when his control was understandably fading … and now Heller vs. Arraez? Come on, Snit.
I swear every time we make an error it costs us like that. We play both great and bad defense simultaneously
Ozzie giveth and taketh, but God, Ronald stealing third is just delicious. Ohtani may be the most transcendent talent to ever wear spikes, but El de la Sabana is simply the most exciting player in baseball.
Last call for some insurance runs, Hammers! Can Riley make contact for once today? And Matt hasn’t homered in a couple of at bats, either!
Matt tried real hard, and it was very close to a home run
I’ve been wondering what it will take to bring DOOOM! back? (And DOOOM! always comes back.) 5 losses in a month? 2 losses in a row? Blowing a lead? Almost blowing a lead? All we can do is wait.
I caught a waft of doom in several of the comments today. I’m guessing our defensive woes will be the next whipping boy because it’s difficult to complain about anything else at the moment
Yes, with a couple of our regular commenters, at least the hint of DOOOM! Is always there, just an error or bullpen decision away. . You don’t need to wait for a two game losing streak. Bless their hearts—it’s just the way some folks express their fandom.
I dunno, pretty shoddy offensive performance today if you ask me. I mean, they didn’t score in the 1st, only hit 3 home runs, and only won by 3. What’s wrong with these guys?
It’s good to have high standards.
DOOOOOM is always just around the corner. Check out Braves Twitter for your fill of doom and gloom. I love this space!
Damn. Travis is incredible.
Good job, y’all! Enjoy the evening. Let’s go pummel the Guardians tomorrow. Keep it rolling!
I am dumbfounded how this team just keeps going and going. Energizer Hammers.
Ozuna got robbed.
Recapped: https://bravesjournal.com/2023/07/02/braves-6-marlins-3-braves-complete-3-game-sweep-of-closest-nl-east-competitors/