Summary:
The Atlanta Braves Snap Five-Game Losing Streak.
The Braves managed to avoid a sweep by the Orioles with a 6-3 victory. This win ends the Braves' longest single-season losing streak since 2017, marking a significant turnaround for the team.
Atlanta's five-game losing streak within a single season was their longest since September 2017. This recent slump is the first of its kind in a season since 2017, and it spanned a total of 934 games. Only the legendary 1930-38 Yankees had a longer gap between such streaks, going 1,243 games without enduring a five-game losing streak.
Game Highlights
The game started on a high note for the Braves when Marcell Ozuna doubled in two runs in the first inning. Ozzie Albies then added two more runs with a single in the fourth inning, giving the Braves a comfortable cushion early on. The key to the Braves' success, however, was the performance of Reynaldo López on the mound. López held the Orioles to just two singles and a walk over six shutout innings, demonstrating his dominance with eight strikeouts. López currently boasts a 1.69 ERA in his 12 starts this season. Impressively, in seven of those 12 starts, López allowed no more than one run.
Albies had an outstanding game, going 4 for 5 with two doubles. Meanwhile, Ozuna continued to show why he is one of the top run producers in the league, going 2 for 4 with a walk and driving in his 56th and 57th runs of 2024. His performance places him at the top of the National League in RBIs.
Recent Performance
The Braves have struggled over the past month, posting a 10-17 record over their last 27 games. This stretch has tested the team’s resilience, with offensive struggles becoming a significant challenge. In fact, the game against the Orioles marked only the 11th time in this span that the Braves scored more than three runs. This is a notable departure from last year when the Braves boasted the highest-scoring offense in baseball.
The recent victory improves the Braves' record to 36-30 for the season. Despite this, Atlanta remains 9.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, who currently lead the division. The Orioles, on the other hand, have a robust 45-23 record after Thursday's loss.
Looking Ahead
The Braves need consistent performances from key players to climb the standings. Improved offensive contributions will be crucial for a more sustained push. The recent victory over the Orioles demonstrates what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders. If their key players can maintain this level of performance, the Braves have the potential to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
Quotes:
"Those 1930-38 Yankees went 1,243 games between five-game losing streaks," a testament to the rarity of the Braves' recent streak. A team representative commented on López's outstanding season, "Seven times in those 12 starts he allowed no more than one run. He's been a revelation."
Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies will be players to watch as they continue to lead the Braves both on and off the field. If their recent performances are any indication, Braves fans have much to look forward to in the coming games.
In summary, the Braves' ability to end their losing streak and secure a victory against a strong Orioles team demonstrates their potential and resilience. With continued effort and standout performances from key players, the Braves can overcome their recent challenges and make significant strides in the standings.