Braves Drop Second Straight in 5-2 Loss to Astros

JWDixon120 · 01-12-2025, 06:52 PM

Braves Drop Second Straight in 5-2 Loss to Astros

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Braves Drop Second Straight in 5-2 Loss to Astros

April 16, 2024

HOUSTON — The Atlanta Braves (14-4) dropped their second consecutive game on Tuesday night, falling 5-2 to the Houston Astros (11-8) at Minute Maid Park. Despite a promising start from veteran Chris Sale, who was making his season debut, the Braves' offense was stifled late, leading to another loss.

The Braves scratched rookie standout Spencer Schwellenbach from his scheduled start, citing the need for extra rest, and turned to Sale, fresh off the IL. Sale dazzled early, retiring the first 14 batters he faced and appearing in vintage form. Meanwhile, Atlanta's offense struck first, with Marcell Ozuna launching a solo home run to center field and Sean Murphy adding an RBI single to give the Braves a 2-0 lead.

However, Sale ran into trouble in the sixth inning. After retiring two batters, he surrendered a three-run homer to Alex Bregman, flipping the game in Houston's favor. Newly promoted reliever Jimmy Herget and Aaron Bummer each allowed a run in relief, extending Houston's lead to 5-2. The Braves' offense stalled, failing to score after the third inning as the Astros bullpen shut the door.

The loss marks the first time this season that Atlanta has dropped back-to-back games and also their first series loss. The Braves will look to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Wednesday at 3 PM. Schwellenbach (3-0, 0.86 ERA) is expected to take the mound against Houston's Hunter Brown (0-2, 3.77 ERA).

Transactions:

Michael Harris II is eligible to return from the IL and will rejoin the Braves lineup on Wednesday.

OF Forrest Wall was optioned to AAA to make room for Harris' return.

01-12-2025, 06:52 PM	#30
JWDixon120 Rookie OVR: 0 Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 706	Re: ChopHouse Chronicles : An Atlanta Braves Dynasty Braves Drop Second Straight in 5-2 Loss to Astros Braves Drop Second Straight in 5-2 Loss to Astros April 16, 2024 HOUSTON — The Atlanta Braves (14-4) dropped their second consecutive game on Tuesday night, falling 5-2 to the Houston Astros (11-8) at Minute Maid Park. Despite a promising start from veteran Chris Sale, who was making his season debut, the Braves' offense was stifled late, leading to another loss. The Braves scratched rookie standout Spencer Schwellenbach from his scheduled start, citing the need for extra rest, and turned to Sale, fresh off the IL. Sale dazzled early, retiring the first 14 batters he faced and appearing in vintage form. Meanwhile, Atlanta's offense struck first, with Marcell Ozuna launching a solo home run to center field and Sean Murphy adding an RBI single to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. However, Sale ran into trouble in the sixth inning. After retiring two batters, he surrendered a three-run homer to Alex Bregman, flipping the game in Houston's favor. Newly promoted reliever Jimmy Herget and Aaron Bummer each allowed a run in relief, extending Houston's lead to 5-2. The Braves' offense stalled, failing to score after the third inning as the Astros bullpen shut the door. The loss marks the first time this season that Atlanta has dropped back-to-back games and also their first series loss. The Braves will look to avoid a sweep in the series finale on Wednesday at 3 PM. Schwellenbach (3-0, 0.86 ERA) is expected to take the mound against Houston's Hunter Brown (0-2, 3.77 ERA). Transactions: Michael Harris II is eligible to return from the IL and will rejoin the Braves lineup on Wednesday. OF Forrest Wall was optioned to AAA to make room for Harris' return.