The Atlanta Braves came up short on Sunday in a 5-2 loss to the Houston Astros. While Atlanta was unable to generate much offense, a few of the Braves’ young pitchers turned in impressive debuts.
Mike Foltynewicz got the start and wasn’t particularly sharp but put up a good showing nonetheless. He hung a breaking ball that Josh Reddick pulled into the corner for a double in the first. Reddick later scored on a throwing error by third baseman Sean Kazmar to put the Astros in front 1-0.
VIDEO: Mike Foltynewicz chats with our @KevinMcAlpin following his 2019 spring debut earlier this afternoon against the Astros in West Palm. #Braves https://t.co/YGQmqBPNQg
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Houston struck for four more runs in the third against Luke Jackson and Corbin Clouse. Jackson was tagged for three hits and four runs in just a third of an inning. Clouse came on and allowed a pair of hits before escaping.
Atlanta got on the board in the fifth thanks to a solo home run by Pedro Florimon. The Braves tacked on another run in the eighth as Greyson Jenista singled and later scored on a ground out by Garrison Schwartz.
Atlanta did have some good pitching performances in this one. Bryse Wilson replaced Clouse and allowed just one hit over two scoreless innings while striking out two. Kyle Muller struck out two in a scoreless inning with a fastball that was sitting 93-94 and topped out at 96. Joey Wentz allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning as well.
Ronald Acuña Jr made his spring debut going 0-for-1 with a walk. Ozzie Albies had a first inning hit in two at bats as well. Drew Waters also made his spring debut going 1-for-2 at the plate.
The Braves will face the Washington Nationals on Monday in their home opener at Disney with Max Fried scheduled to get the start on the mound.