It’s been a minute since the Braves lost a series. While this would not be as hard to swallow as dropping two of three to the A’s was May 29-31, there’s no reason to test our digestive systems this evening. The Braves look to rebound after a rare loss in the final game of this series in Cleveland tonight.

Atlanta will send Maple Maddux to the mound tonight (7:10 ET, 6:10 CT). I trust that Michael Soroka (1-1, 6.89) remembers what he learned in winning his last start. Soroka told reporters when he “let it fly” instead of aiming the ball, his pitches moved, and he hit spots. More of that tonight from the Canadian right-hander and I like the Hammers’ chances.

Quantrill or Quantum physics?

I like our chances because the Braves have the best offense in baseball. That offense will take on Cal Quantrill (2-5, 6.18), who has been easier to solve than quantum physics questions. A former first round pick, Quantrill has only taken the ball once since May 30. He gave up eight hits and six runs to the Chicago White Sox in a loss on June 30.

The Indians are 42-43 entering tonight’s game at Progressive Field, one game behind Minnesota in the AL Central. Atlanta is 57-28, winners of 17-of-19, and still 8 games clear of the Marlins in the NL East. The Braves are looking to start another win streak. To their credit, they already have two eight-game winning streaks, and a nine-game tear to their credit this season.

Michael Harris II homered twice in the series-opener with Cleveland and Ozzie Albies homered twice in a 6-5, 10-inning loss on Tuesdayhttps://bravesjournal.com/2023/07/05/cleveland-6-braves-5/ . Whose turn is it tonight? Who do you think homers twice tonight? How many innings can Soroka eat?

Following an off-day, the Braves take on the AL East-leading Rays in Tampa. No pitching match-ups have been set yet, but both teams will look to finish out the first half with a series win.