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Associated Press
30-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Red Sox look to end skid in matchup with the Braves
Boston Red Sox (27-31, fourth in the AL East) vs. Atlanta Braves (26-29, third in the NL East) Atlanta; Friday, 7:15 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Red Sox: Lucas Giolito (1-1, 5.27 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 23 strikeouts); Braves: Grant Holmes (3-3, 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 55 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Braves -169, Red Sox +142; over/under is 9 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Red Sox aim to stop their five-game skid with a win against the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta has a 26-29 record overall and a 16-9 record in home games. Braves hitters have a collective .391 slugging percentage to rank ninth in the NL. Boston has an 11-17 record in road games and a 27-31 record overall. The Red Sox have gone 6-15 in games decided by one run. The matchup Friday is the fourth time these teams match up this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Ozzie Albies has eight doubles and six home runs for the Braves. Matt Olson is 13 for 43 with four doubles and four home runs over the last 10 games. Rafael Devers has 15 doubles and 12 home runs for the Red Sox. Jarren Duran is 15 for 42 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and seven RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Braves: 3-7, .281 batting average, 3.97 ERA, outscored opponents by eight runs Red Sox: 4-6, .244 batting average, 3.19 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs INJURIES: Braves: AJ Smith-Shawver: 15-Day IL (calf/elbow), Stuart Fairchild: day-to-day (finger), Ignacio Alvarez: 60-Day IL (wrist), Reynaldo Lopez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Joe Jimenez: 60-Day IL (knee) Red Sox: Alex Bregman: 10-Day IL (quadricep), Triston Casas: 60-Day IL (knee), Masataka Yoshida: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kutter Crawford: 60-Day IL (knee), Tanner Houck: 15-Day IL (flexor), Romy Gonzalez: 10-Day IL (back), Chris Murphy: 60-Day IL (elbow), Patrick Sandoval: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New York Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Braves takeaways: Chris Sale makes history, batters rough up Zack Wheeler again, more
PHILADELPHIA — On a long and painful day that journeyed into night, the Atlanta Braves desperately needed something good to happen in the second game of their doubleheader Thursday against the rival Philadelphia Phillies. They got it. After losing both a game and a key starting pitcher in the doubleheader opener, the Braves got a terrific start from Chris Sale in the nightcap, along with a four-RBI game from Austin Riley and a two-run homer from Ozzie Albies to highlight a four-run fourth inning in a 9-3 win against the Phillies and ace Zack Wheeler. Advertisement The Braves knocked Wheeler around for the second time this season, while Sale allowed two hits in six scoreless innings to continue his dominant stretch of pitching. He also struck out eight to become the fastest in MLB history to 2,500 strikeouts, surpassing one of his boyhood idols, Randy Johnson, to claim that distinction. 'It's special, and I appreciate it for what it is,' said Sale, who has exactly 2,500 strikeouts in 2,026 innings, ahead of Johnson's previous mark of 2,107 2/3 innings. 'But I try not to get too caught up in stuff like that right now. I know what our job is here. No matter whether you have a good one or a bad one, the next one is the most important one. I do appreciate it, though. He was a guy I looked up to as a baseball player when I was a kid. And I tried to do everything I could to be like him.' Riley said of Sale: 'It's impressive to be able to do it as long as he has. And especially (after) those years where he was battling some injuries; I think that's probably made it even more sweeter for him. I love playing behind him. He goes to war with us, so I'm really happy for him.' Strikeout No. 2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ for Chris Sale! 👏 — MLB (@MLB) May 30, 2025 More than his own accomplishment, Sale was pleased the Braves averted a series sweep and could have a happy flight home before facing the Boston Red Sox. They are still a substantial 9 ½ games behind the NL East-leading Phillies and 7 ½ behind the second-place New York Mets. They are 26-29, including 3-3 against the Phillies. Philadelphia won Thursday's opener, 5-4, going ahead on a base-loaded hit-by-pitch in the eighth inning before the Braves left them loaded in the ninth. The bigger loss for Atlanta was pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver, who left in the third inning after feeling a 'pop' in his elbow. He returned to Atlanta ahead of the team to have an MRI that the Braves hope won't reveal an injury as serious as they fear. Sale is 3-1 with a 1.42 ERA in his past seven starts after going 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA in his first five. He has 54 strikeouts and 12 walks in 44 1/3 innings over this torrid stretch. 'I mean, I just feel like he was in the zone, slider was there — kind of adding (and) subtracting with it, spotting up some fastballs in some different areas,' Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber said. 'He's always tough. You never go in that at-bat thinking it's going to be an easy at-bat, right? He won the Cy Young last year, and you just have to try to fight and grind him whenever he does make that mistake, try to get to it.' Advertisement Wheeler finished second to Sale in last year's Cy Young balloting and was the NL's hottest pitcher in recent weeks, riding a 22 2/3-inning scoreless streak that included six or seven scoreless innings in each of his past three starts. But the Atlanta-area native has struggled against the Braves several times in recent years, and was charged with season-highs of six runs and four walks in 5 1/3 innings Thursday. He gave up four hits, all consecutively with one out in the fourth inning: Marcell Ozuna single, Matt Olson double, Riley two-run double, Albies homer. 'I mean, you're talking about one of the best teams in the league, if not the best team in the league right now,' Sale said of the Phillies. 'Also talking about the best starting pitcher in the league for a handful of years now, too. So we knew what we had ahead of us, and for the boys to come out and get something going there (in the fourth inning) — and it didn't end. It was four this inning, a couple more here, a couple more there. So it's some good momentum to take back home.' The Braves have handled Wheeler like no other team has this season. His worst two starts of 2025 have been against them, including an April 8 game in Atlanta when he allowed eight hits and five runs in 5 1/3 innings. That's 11 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings for a 9.28 ERA against the Braves, and a 1.93 ERA in 10 starts against everyone else. 'We had a plan and we stayed to it, and we were ready to attack when he made mistakes,' said Albies, who has a 14-game hitting streak and hit a first-pitch splitter for the first homer off a Wheeler splitter since 2018. 'I mean, I'll keep it real, I wasn't looking for a splitter. But I was looking for something in the zone to do damage to, and he left me a splitter hanging.' The last two runs on Wheeler's ledger scored on Luke Williams' two-run single in the sixth off Carlos Hernández, after Wheeler walked Riley and Albies consecutively. Riley added a two-run homer in the seventh off Joe Ross. Braves fans watching at home — and those scattered among the crowd at Citizens Bank Park — might've wondered what Albies was doing in Thursday's opener trying to steal second base in the ninth inning of a one-run game with no outs and the heart of Atlanta's lineup coming to bat. You weren't alone. After Albies was thrown out, the Braves loaded the bases with two outs on an Ozuna walk, Olson single and Sean Murphy walk. Eli White struck out to leave them loaded. It was easy to wonder what might've happened had Albies not tried to steal and been thrown out by Rafael Marchán, which capped a memorable game for Philly's backup catcher — two runners caught stealing, a two-run homer, a walk and a game-winning, bases-loaded hit-by-pitch. Advertisement Asked about it afterward, manager Brian Snitker said, 'Well, it's just a (pitcher) that we should be able to steal the base (on). I mean, he's upwards of 1.6 (seconds) to the plate.' Snitker said, 'Evidently the jump wasn't real good.' Just to be clear, I asked Snitker if Albies was running on his own. 'Yeah,' Snitker said, ending the subject. Albies was the second Braves runner to test Marchán's arm Thursday. The first, Stuart Fairchild, fared even worse. Not only was Fairchild thrown out trying to steal second base for the third out of the fourth inning, but he also dislocated his right pinky finger while sliding hands-first. He wasn't wearing one of the 'oven mitt' protective hand coverings that so many players use. Fairchild will be examined in Atlanta on Friday morning. He'll land on the 15-day IL with Jarred Kelenic likely to be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace him. Snitker planned to rest Ronald Acuña Jr. for the first game Thursday and play him in the nightcap, but turned to the star to replace Fairchild in the bottom of the fourth. Acuña had an RBI single and a double in two plate appearances in the first game, and was on deck when White struck out with the bases loaded to end the game. Acuña has played every game since he was activated May 23, though the Braves had two days off in that span, including Wednesday when the game was postponed by rain. The bullpen has been an issue recently with the Braves, and here's one new potential problem: Daysbel Hernández might not be ready for the highest-leverage spots in important games. He entered Thursday's first game to start the eighth inning and gave up a Nick Castellanos single and Max Kepler walk. After a sacrifice bunt advanced the runners, Hernández walked Brandon Marsh to load the bases before grazing Marchán's foot with a pitch that brought in the final run of the game. Advertisement In Tuesday's series opener, Hernández entered to start the eighth, the Braves trailing 1-0. He retired the first two, then surrendered singles to Alec Bohm and Castellanos, each when ahead in the count. Those were followed by consecutive walks to Kepler and to J.T. Realmuto, the latter with the bases loaded.
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Chris Sale reaches 2,500 strikeouts, Braves beat Phillies 9-3 for a doubleheader split
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chris Sale became the fastest pitcher to reach 2,500 strikeouts, pitched six scoreless innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 9-3 on Thursday night to split a doubleheader. The Phillies won the afternoon game 5-4. Sale (3-3) struck out Edmundo Sosa in the sixth inning for his eighth strikeout, to reach the milestone. He did it in 2,026 innings, surpassing the record of 2,107 2/3 set by Randy Johnson. Sale became the 40th pitcher in major league history to reach 2.500 strikeouts and joined Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer as the only active pitchers to have reached that plateau. Sosa was the last hitter Sale faced. He allowed just two hits in six shutout innings. Austin Riley had a double, a homer, and four RBIs, Ozzie Albies homered and drove in three, and Luke Williams had a pair of RBIs for the Braves, who snapped a three-game losing skid. Zack Wheeler (6-2) allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings for the Phillies, who lost for just the second time in their last 13 games. After the game, the Phillies acquired left-hander Josh Walker from Toronto for cash considerations. Walker goes on the Phillies' 40-man roster, but will be assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Key moment Sale loaded the bases in the fifth inning on two walks and a hit batter, but got out of it by getting Alec Bohm to ground out to Williams to end the threat. Key stat Albies' homer, his sixth of the season, extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Up next RHP Grant Holmes (3-3, 3.68 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Braves when they open a three-game series at home against Boston on Friday. Philadelphia will turn to RHP Taijuan Walker (2-3, 2.97) in the first game of a weekend home series against Milwaukee. RHP Quinn Priester (1-2, 4.23) is slated to start for the Brewers. ___ AP MLB:
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
What Ronald Acuna's return means for the Atlanta Braves' struggling season
What Ronald Acuna's return means for the Atlanta Braves' struggling season (Image Source: Getty Images) Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return from knee surgery has lifted the spirits of the Atlanta Braves and given hope to a team that is finding its way this year. Because the Atlanta Braves are currently two games below .500 after facing the Padres, the return of their MVP, who hasn't played in nearly a year, comes at an important moment. Because of his immediate impact in both home runs and defence, Ronald Acuña Jr. might help the Atlanta Braves finally reach the World Series. Ronald Acuña Jr.'s immediate impact reshapes Atlanta Braves lineup dynamics Early this season, the Atlanta Braves' offence drew much attention, but Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return has already solved a lot of those problems. With a home run on his first at-bat, travelling 467 feet and leaving the bat at 115.5 mph - the hardest hit ball by any Braves player in the season - Freeman has clearly impressed that he is playing like an MVP again. Through the numbers from his first series against the San Diego Padres, we see why people are talking: two home runs, four hits in twelve at-bats, and the impressive skills that earned him the 2023 Most Valuable Player of the National League. The fact that Brian Snitker put Ronald Acuña Jr. at the top of the lineup shows how much he believes in the player's ability to get the Atlanta Braves off on the right foot. Ozzie Albies pointed out that Ronald Acuña Jr.'s by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo return gives everyone on the team extra motivation. It's clear from the large crowds during the San Diego Padres series that excitement about the Atlanta Braves has returned, and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s comeback is providing the enthusiasm needed to help the team succeed in tough times. Atlanta Braves' championship window remains wide open with healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. The Atlanta Braves built their roster with championship goals, and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return to health could give them everything they need to succeed. He showed off his defensive strength during his return series, including a throw to home plate clocked at 104.9 mph that revealed his powerful arm. Last year, Ronald Acuña Jr. was cautious after his ACL injury, but this time he feels secure and plays with total confidence in his knee. The series against the Philadelphia Phillies will again test Ronald Acuña Jr.'s health and the team's new teamwork. Thanks to fresh energy from Drake Baldwin and another strong game from Ozzie Albies, the Atlanta Braves look ready to climb in the National League East. Acuña Jr.'s great play, strong starting pitchers, and lively presence at Truist Park put the Braves in position to surge in the second half and get back to where they usually are in October. Also Read: What You Need to Know About MLB's Twitter Sweepstakes Rules The Atlanta Braves' season narrative has shifted dramatically with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return, transforming what looked like a disappointing campaign into a story of renewed hope and championship possibilities. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Associated Press
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sub-.500 Braves remain optimistic thanks to Acuña's demonstration of power and good health in return
ATLANTA (AP) — The restored health of Ronald Acuña Jr. gives the Atlanta Braves reason for optimism despite again falling two games under .500 after losing two of three games to the San Diego Padres. Acuña played all three games against the Padres and immediately flashed his impressive all-around athleticism in his return after missing almost a full year following surgery on his left knee. In Friday night's 2-1 loss, the 2023 NL MVP hit the first pitch he saw 467 feet for a home run. The homer's exit velocity of 115.5 mph was the hardest hit ball by a Braves player this season. Acuña followed his dramatic first game back by hitting a 411-foot homer in Saturday's 7-1 win. He had a double and a walk in Sunday's 5-3 loss and was 4 for 12 in the three games. The homers were impressive, but perhaps most important to the Braves was the display of Acuña's all-around skills. He threw out Elias Díaz at second base on Friday night and added a 104.9 mph throw to the plate on Sunday just as Manny Machado slid safely. 'Absolutely insane. He's a beast,' Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies said. 'We all know he's got a cannon but that's impressive.' Acuña is making his second return from a major knee surgery. He tore his right ACL on July 10, 2021, and returned the following April. He was tentative at first in his 2022 comeback but looked far more confident against San Diego. He showed he could sprint to the right-field line to cut off hits before stopping quickly to make strong throws. Acuña confirmed he feels confident he's ready to flash his 2023 MVP skills. 'Yeah I think so,' Acuña said through translator Franco Garcia. 'To me that's just the culmination of all the work I put in throughout this whole time on my legs to be prepared for those moments, to be able to react and move the way I did in those moments and be confident in my legs and body.' The Braves are off on Monday. Manager Brian Snitker plans to play Acuña in each of their three games at Philadelphia in a series that begins on Tuesday night. 'It was awesome,' said Snitker when asked to describe Acuña's first three games. 'I think really good. His at-bats have been really good. Obviously the fielding, everything. I think he feels good. I think it's a good first series for him right there.' Snitker said Albies' two doubles on Sunday provide more reason a lineup also boosted by rookie catcher Drake Baldwin is ready for bigger things. 'I'm encouraged that we haven't played our best baseball yet and we're hanging right in there,' Snitker said. 'We have a lot of time for things to get really good. You know what, we're OK, really, where we're at. Everybody wants to be .500 and everything but there's so much baseball left.' Acuña's return was highly anticipated and helped the Braves draw sellout crowds in each game against San Diego, including 41,251 on Sunday. 'Incredible,' Acuña said of the support from the fans. 'Incredible to be back in front of the fans and even more incredible to be back home in front of them.' Albies said having Acuña as the leadoff hitter and right fielder is a good reason to expect better results for Atlanta. 'Oh, it's amazing,' said Albies of Acuña's impact. 'He brings a lot of energy to the lineup. We all see it. The fans love it. It's just great. When you see him going, the team goes with him. He gets something started when he's up there.' ___ AP MLB:
