Our Texas Rangers were smashed by the Atlanta Braves commanding victory on Monday night. In the second inning, Kevin Pillar and Ronald Acuña Jr. each hit two-run homers, spoiling Cody Bradford’s MLB debut as the Braves took control of the game. Orlando Arcia, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna also hit two-run shots for the Braves.
Charlie Morton pitched a stellar game for the Braves, striking out a season-high 10 batters and allowing only seven singles and one walk in 6 2/3 innings. This win marked Morton’s first consecutive wins of the season.
The Braves avoided a five-game losing streak with Arcia and Riley’s home runs in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Ozuna added another home run in the ninth off Rangers’ reserve catcher Sandy Leon, who was making his eighth career pitching appearance.
Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies contributed with back-to-back RBI doubles in the fifth inning. Cody Bradford, called up from Triple-A Round Rock, had a challenging MLB debut for the AL West-leading Rangers, surrendering six runs on seven hits and two walks in five innings. Despite his struggles in this game, Bradford had an impressive 0.91 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock.
Pillar’s homer was his second in two days and third in four games, while Acuña showcased his power with a 454-foot drive into the second deck. The Braves’ strong performance helped them maintain their top spot in the NL East.