SAN DIEGO — The Braves have chased each Padres starters earlier than the top of the fifth inning. They’ve additionally hit three dwelling runs and drawn 10 walks by means of the primary two video games. So, it’s not like they’ve finished nothing on the plate whereas starting the season 0-2.
They’ve created alternatives after which discovered common frustration whereas going 1-for-16 with runners in scoring place.
“I didn’t notice it was like that,” Braves supervisor Brian Snitker mentioned after his membership’s 4-3 loss on Friday night time at Petco Park. “It feels higher than that. I believe on the again finish of that, if we will proceed this, will probably be actually good.”
Two days into the season, the Braves have validated their bullpen shall be a piece in progress. When Héctor Neris blew a seventh-inning lead Thursday within the Opening Day loss, some followers questioned why Dylan Lee hadn’t pitched a second inning. Lee acquired the prospect for a multi-inning alternative on Friday, however exited instantly after permitting Jake Cronenworth to start the underside of the eighth with a game-winning homer.
Cronenworth hit only one dwelling run in 153 at-bats in opposition to left-handed pitchers final 12 months. However when it rains, it pours, even in Southern California.
“Every little thing will even out,” Snitker mentioned. “We’ll get it going.”
Issues are definitely sure to show round for Drake Baldwin, who has swallowed his fair proportion of unhealthy luck by means of his first two profession video games. The rookie catcher, who’s ranked by MLB Pipeline as baseball’s No. 62 prospect and the Braves’ No. 1 prospect, had a possible dwelling run robbed by Jackson Merrill on Thursday. On Friday, he went 0-for-3 with exit velocities of 99.1 mph, 101.6 mph and 109.6 mph. The final sizzling shot drilled Padres nearer Robert Suarez’s leg and went straight to first baseman Luis Arraez.
Padres Opening Day starter Michael King lasted simply 2 2/3 innings. However his day may need been even shorter had the Braves capitalized within the first inning after utilizing two walks to assist load the bases with only one out. The lone run scored there was awarded solely after a replay evaluation overturned a detailed name at first base.
It regarded just like the Braves is perhaps prepared to show the tide Friday through the third inning, when Marcell Ozuna delivered a two-out, two-run single with the bases loaded. This was a welcome growth, contemplating Atlanta ranked tenth amongst NL groups with a .245 batting common with bases loaded final 12 months.
However the Braves’ solely different run of the night time got here courtesy of a Jarred Kelenic solo homer that chased Padres starter Dylan Stop with one out within the fifth inning.
“They’ve had extra well timed hits than us,” Braves first baseman Matt Olson mentioned. “We’re getting [their starter’s] pitch rely up. Then after we’ve gotten within the bullpen, we haven’t had a lot to point out for it.”
The Braves have produced a .400 on-base share in opposition to San Diego’s beginning pitchers. However they’ve only a .286 general OBP by means of these first two video games. Austin Riley, who homered on Thursday and doubled on Friday, is the one Atlanta participant with a number of hits up to now. Like Baldwin, he too has had some unhealthy luck.
4 of the six balls Riley has put in play have been hit 100 mph or more durable. That’s a superb signal for the third baseman, whose bid for a fourth straight 30-homer season was ended by the fractured proper hand he suffered in August.
“This offense retains combating,” Braves starter Reynaldo López mentioned. “I believe they’re going to proceed to do their factor.”
López started his five-inning effort by giving Fernando Tatis Jr. a 92.7 mph cookie that was lined over the outfield wall. The Braves right-hander’s velocity picked up as his fastball averaged 95.6 mph (.01 increased than his 2024 common), and he surrendered simply two extra runs. The run tallied within the second inning may have been prevented had Ozzie Albies made a stronger throw on a possible double play.
Two video games in, missed double play turns, questionable bullpen selections and mislocated pitches shall be highlighted. The identical may also definitely be mentioned of struggles with runners in scoring place. However although the outcomes haven’t been optimum, the offense will seemingly be the least of this workforce’s worries, particularly after Ronald Acuña Jr. returns subsequent month.
“As a unit, I really feel like there’s been some high quality at-bats,” Olson mentioned. “We’ve been spitting on some good pitches and making them work. If we proceed to try this, the opposite stuff will fall into place.”
