Summary:
The Atlanta Braves managed to halt their five-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, thereby averting a sweep. This marked the end of the Braves' longest single-season losing streak since 2017.
A Slump Broken
The recent slump was a significant one for Atlanta, being their longest within a single season since September 2017. It spanned 934 games, making it quite an unusual event for the franchise. Historically, only the 1930-38 Yankees experienced a longer gap, going 1,243 games between such streaks.
Key Performances
Marcell Ozuna played a pivotal role in the Braves' victory, doubling in two crucial runs in the first inning. Ozzie Albies added further to the scoreline with a two-run single in the fourth inning. Albies shone brightly throughout the game, going 4-for-5 with two doubles.
Reynaldo López also delivered an outstanding performance, holding the Orioles to just two singles and a walk over six shutout innings. López struck out eight batters and boasts a 1.69 ERA in 12 starts this season. Impressively, he has allowed no more than one run in seven of those 12 outings. His consistency on the mound has been a revelation for the Braves.
Offensive Struggles
However, the Braves' recent form has been far from their best. Over the last 27 games, their record stands at a disappointing 10-17. This victory against the Orioles was only the 11th time in this stretch that the Braves managed to score more than three runs. This is a stark contrast to their performance last year, where they had the highest-scoring offense in baseball. Generating runs has become a significant challenge for the team lately.
Despite these struggles, individual players have continued to excel. Ozuna, for instance, went 2-for-4 with a walk in the game against the Orioles. He has driven in his 56th and 57th runs of 2024, leading the National League in RBIs.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Braves' record improved to 36-30 for the season. However, they remain 9.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. The Orioles, despite the loss, hold a strong 45-23 record.
"Those 1930-38 Yankees went 1,243 games between five-game losing streaks."
"Seven times in those 12 starts he allowed no more than one run. He's been a revelation."
The Braves need consistent performances from key players and improved offensive contributions if they hope to make a more sustained push in the standings. The recent victory offers some optimism, but the team must continue to build on this success to overcome their recent struggles and compete at a higher level for the remainder of the season.