The Atlanta Braves went from their worst loss of the year, to arguably their best win in just over 24 hours. The team clinched a 1-0 victory over the San Fransisco Giants on Monday to win the series opener at Oracle Park. The game felt like postseason baseball, and after a dreadful series in Colorado, this could be exactly what the Braves needed.
Here is what you need to know about Monday's contest.
Sale was Dealing
It was the best outing of the season for Chris Sale as he continues to make a solid case to be the National League CY Young winner in 2024. Sale went seven scoreless innings, only allowing three hits, and recorded a season-high 12 strikeouts with no walks across the start.
Not only did he have an outstanding night with his pitches, but he also flashed the leather on a line drive that came right back to him from Giants Casey Schmidt.
Sale finished the night with 107 pitches (77 strikes), an impressive 19 whiffs, and a 36% CSW.
The only problem was that his opponent in the dugout was doing the exact same thing
Braves Had No Answer for Snell
After pitching a no-hitter just two starts prior for the first time in his career, Blake Snell sent another bid through the sixth inning against the Braves on Monday.
Snell went 6.1 innings and until the seventh inning did not allow a hit. He finished the day with two hits allowed and striking out ten Braves batters. The only base runners that Snell allowed on in the first six innings of work were three walks that failed to reach scoring position.
It was an all-around fantastic outing from Snell.
According to Sarah Langs and the Elias Sports Bureau, "Blake Snell & Chris Sale are the 4th pair of pitchers to EACH have more than 10 strikeouts and allow 3 hits or fewer in the same game." They are the only duo to allow 0 runs.
It Took Extra's to Find a Winner
The Braves found the first run of the game in the top of the tenth inning when pinch hitter Travis d'Arnaud flew out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Mike Yastrzemski , who made a brilliant catch. Orlando Arcia scored from third base.
Raisel Iglesias was awarded the win after going two innings and finishing the Giants in order in the bottom of the tenth inning. He struck out the first two batters he saw in the final frame and got some help from Jorge Soler in left field for the final out of the game.
The game consisted of 33 strikeouts between the two teams.
Another Blunder from Laureano
It's been a head scratching week for Ramon Laureano defensively. After making a fielding mistake on Saturday against the Colorado Rockies, the veteran outfielder overran a fly ball in the opening inning on Monday evening.
With Michael Harris II set to be activated on Wednesday the Braves will be forced to make a roster move that could result in a DFA for Laureano.
What's Next
The Braves will be back in action with another late-night game on Tuesday for game two of the series with the San Fransisco Giants. The first pitch is scheduled for 9:45 PM EST.
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