Battery Power - April 29: Cubs 9, Braves 3Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2021-04-29T22:41:57-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/221756242021-04-29T22:41:57-04:002021-04-29T22:41:57-04:00Braves drop Series Finale as Wilson struggles in 9-3 loss to Cubs
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<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs scored early and often to avoid the series sweep. </p> <p id="8PNAjB">The Braves entered Thursday night with their second opportunity this season to reach a winning record for the first time this season. Bryse Wilson was trusted with the task of keeping a struggling <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup quite. The Braves offense was hopefully going to remain focused on continuing its best stretch of offense so far this season. </p>
<p id="gv6guo">Unfortunately, the Cubs had different plans. </p>
<p id="qoSmJc">Three straight singles and a balk allowed the Cubs to get out to an early 2-0 lead, despite an early Braves catch of the year candidate courtesy of Ronald Acuna Jr. to start of the game. The Braves had their chance to respond in the bottom of the second inning after a single and walk from Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson with one out. Unfortunately, they were unable to cash in the scoring opportunity.</p>
<p id="71hJSm">The Cubs responded quickly by extending their lead to 4-0 via a walk, double, sacrifice fly, and single in the top of the third inning. This also ended day for Bryse Wilson, who certainly had hoped for a better performance. Over three innings, Wilson allowed seven hits, four earned runs, two walks and only one strikeout. While a few of the hits were certainly lucky and Wilson did not allow a home run, his has certainly struggled through his first three starts this season. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Austin Riley RBI single.<br><br>Plus, <a href="https://twitter.com/RealCJ10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealCJ10</a> with the real-time swing analysis. <a href="https://t.co/SdAFkYSM5o">pic.twitter.com/SdAFkYSM5o</a></p>— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) <a href="https://twitter.com/BravesOnBally/status/1387931282798223360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a>
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<p id="juwYmg">The Braves finally found some success in the bottom of the fourth inning with a double from Ozzie Albies and Swanson being hit by a pitch. Riley then continued his excellent production as of late to make the score 4-1 through four innings. However, the Cubs were ready and waiting to make with a response in the top of the fifth, as a triple by Javier Baez, a double by Jason Heyward (his second rbi of the evening), and a single from Nico Hoerner made the score 6-1. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marcell-fie Time ⌚️ <a href="https://t.co/B8czHv25NB">pic.twitter.com/B8czHv25NB</a></p>— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) <a href="https://twitter.com/BravesOnBally/status/1387940428192915462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a>
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<p id="xVtAqC">In the bottom of the sixth, Marcell Ozuna decided to get in on the fun with a 479-foot home run, his second home run in as many days. Hopefully, this is an indication that Ozuna is starting to get his stride going once again. This made the score 6-2. The Cubs were quick to respond once again, as Jake Marisnick and Matt Duffy added a solo home run and RBI single, respectively, to make the score 8-2. </p>
<p id="aAQW2d">The Braves tried to make things interesting in the bottom of the seventh inning, as after a Ronald Acuna Jr. RBI single, Freddie Freeman stepped to the plate with runners on first and second with one out. He proceeded to ground into a double play to end the threat. </p>
<p id="6SboyS">The Cubs and Braves both were kept quiet in the eighth inning, but the Cubs decided to get right back to work in the top of the ninth inning. A single from Hoerner and Anthony Rizzo led to a run scoring on a Willson Contreras sacrifice fly to make the score 9-3. In the bottom of the ninth, Austin Riley walked but the Guillermo Heredia grounded into a double play. After Pablo Sandoval reached on a passed ball on strike 3, Acuna Jr. flied out to Heyward to end the game. </p>
<p id="WBjJF4">Though it was a disappointing night for Atlanta, the positive developments from this week so far make it easier to accept than other losses earlier in the year. Plus, another good night from Riley and Ozuna hopefully are further signs they are starting to ramp up their offensive production. Though Atlanta was certainly hoping for a better showing from Wilson, they have plenty to build on from this home stand as they head out on the road to face the Blue Jays this weekend. </p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2021/4/29/22411104/braves-drop-series-finale-as-wilson-struggles-in-9-3-loss-to-cubsShawn Coleman2021-04-29T19:00:00-04:002021-04-29T19:00:00-04:00Cubs vs. Braves: 04/29/2021 Game Thread
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<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bryse Wilson vs. Adbert Alzolay </p> <p id="8lGXDR">The Braves have been playing some of their best baseball of the year over the past three days. A win to earn the sweep and achieve a winning record would he a heck of a way to enter the weekend. Hope you enjoy the game and the interaction and conversation below. </p>
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<p id="r5LdbL">GO BRAVES!!</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/4/29/22410482/cubs-vs-braves-04-29-2021-game-threadShawn Coleman2021-04-29T16:36:11-04:002021-04-29T16:36:11-04:00Travis d’Arnaud returns to the Braves lineup, Javier Baez in lineup for Cubs
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ozzie Albies will remain in the cleanup position for the series finale. </p> <p id="325FDc">The Braves are hoping that they can continue their excellent offensive play from this series in an effort to achieve the series sweep against the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BryseWilson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BryseWilson</a> takes the mound tonight vs. the Cubs!<br><br>Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/TruistNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TruistNews</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheA</a> <a href="https://t.co/kwDL5EcLB9">pic.twitter.com/kwDL5EcLB9</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1387825776238776323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="8zaEVA">Without a doubt, the middle of the Braves order has struggled to start the season. As a result, Brian Snitker seems committed to Ozzie Albies as the current clean-up hitter. The initial results have certainly been encouraging, and hopefully it will take a bit of pressure off Travis d’Arnaud to get his bat going. One thing is for sure: the Braves are currently loving life with the production of Austin Riley and Guillermo Heredia at the bottom of the order. They have done a nice job of extending the production of the Braves lineup on a nightly basis recently. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CubTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CubTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/QZsZ9DHUB9">pic.twitter.com/QZsZ9DHUB9</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1387850001586573316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="wH9sGB">The Cubs are going to be hungry to generate some offense after suffering two straight shutouts. Javier Baez returns to the lineup, and the Cubs are hoping they can find success against Bryse Wilson as they did to an extent the last time they faced him. Besides the home runs, the big key for Wilson is limiting the walks, as the free passes make the frequency of the home runs even more damaging at times. Hopefully, Wilson can make it a few times through the Cubs order and then hand the ball off to the bullpen to complete the sweep. </p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2021/4/29/22410447/travis-darnaud-returns-to-the-braves-lineup-javier-baez-in-lineup-for-cubsShawn Coleman2021-04-29T13:53:54-04:002021-04-29T13:53:54-04:00Braves and Bryse Wilson look to Complete the Sweep against the Cubs
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<figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A day after gaining possession of first place, the Braves look to achieve a record above .500 for the first time this season. </p> <p id="B1Z14g">Thursday has arguably been the best day of the week so far for the Braves this season. A big reason why is mainly because it has frequently been an off-day that has followed a needed win so the Braves did not fall into too big of a hole early on. However, today is the best Thursday of all. Despite all their struggles and injuries to start the season, the Braves are currently back at a .500 record (their second time this season) and are once again at the top of the NL East.</p>
<p id="S84Tkx">A major positive that has shined this season for the Braves is their ability to bounce back. Many times this year and over the past few years when it seemed that the Braves were at a point where it was time for concern to set in, they have quickly righted the ship and emerged victorious. A great example is the fact that the Braves were able to win a close game on Monday and have outscored the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> 15-0 over the past two days after being completely shut down by the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> on Sunday. </p>
<p id="0s79AK">Atlanta actually achieved their second and third shut outs of the season over the past two days, as Ian Anderson and Huascar Ynoa both looked amazing. Both young hurlers have looked great in the early going of the season, a big development with the injury to Max Fried and setbacks experienced by Mike Soroka. A total of 12 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> combined innings between both of them has also allowed a highly-used Braves bullpen to get a bit of a rest as well. </p>
<p id="Tu3qyI">The Braves hope to earn a sweep against the Chicago Cubs today, and hope to use a bit of 2020 pitching magic to do it. Yes, the Braves did not have a lot of magic from their starting rotation in 2020. However, due to their struggles, they did gain plenty of experience when using an “opener” that paid off at times down the stretch and in the postseason. </p>
<p id="akf6Bb">Bryse Wilson will be tasked with the role of “opener” in today’s game. Wilson was actually last seen during the Braves Sunday struggles. Overall, in nine innings this season, Wilson has allowed 11 hits, six runs (five unearned), three walks and five strikeouts. Wilson’s issue this season is that he has also yielded four home runs over his two starts as well. This is a continuing issue for Wilson over his young career, as he has now allowed 11 home runs over 51 <sup>2</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> career innings. The Braves will make sure to watch Wilson’s effectiveness today as he faces the Cubs for the second time in three starts. </p>
<p id="OzGnyv">For the Cubs, Adbert Alzolay will take the mound. He has made three starts this year, all against the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>. Over 15 innings, he has produced a 5.40 ERA compared to a 3.35 FIP along with 5 walks compared to 17 strikeouts. Alzolay has certainly run into a lack of luck; however, the Braves have to feel confident in finding some success against Alzolay with how the offense is performing. If Wilson can be somewhat effective and a fresh bullpen can do well, the Braves should have their chance to win. </p>
<p id="Mzj6Ew">It will be a fun night to hopefully earn the sweep and finally get the run the Braves have needed to get his season back going strong. </p>
<p id="VGs7yb"><strong>Game Info</strong></p>
<p id="NclgNf"><strong>Game Date/Time: Thursday</strong>, April 29, 7:20 p.m. ET </p>
<p id="Pkd9Hx"><strong>Location:</strong> Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia</p>
<p id="n3D1A0"><strong>TV</strong>: Bally Sports South</p>
<p id="fs1lxn"><strong>Streaming:</strong> MLB.tv</p>
<p id="4n8SLZ"><strong>Radio:</strong> 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network</p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2021/4/29/22409919/braves-and-bryse-wilson-look-to-complete-the-sweep-against-the-cubsShawn Coleman