The Atlanta Braves Snap Five-Game Losing Streak
The Atlanta Braves managed to avoid a sweep by the Baltimore Orioles with a 6-3 victory, breaking a five-game losing streak—their longest within a single season since September 2017.
A Much-Needed Win
This recent slump is a first of its kind for the Braves in several years. Their losing streak lasted 934 games, making it their longest single-season losing streak since 2017. Historically, only the 1930-38 New York Yankees went longer, with 1,243 games between such streaks.
The victory comes as a relief for the team and its fans, who watched as the Braves struggled offensively. Atlanta’s record now stands at 36-30 for the season, placing them 9.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. In contrast, the Orioles have a solid record of 45-23 after Thursday's loss.
Key Performances
Marcell Ozuna was instrumental in securing the win, doubling in two runs in the first inning. Ozzie Albies followed suit by adding two more runs with a single in the fourth inning. Albies enjoyed an impressive night, going 4 for 5 with two doubles.
Reynaldo López was stellar on the mound for the Braves, 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. Remarkably, in seven of those 12 starts, he allowed no more than one run.
Ozuna also went 2 for 4 with a walk and drove in his 56th and 57th runs of 2024, leading the National League in RBIs. Albies and Ozuna’s contributions were crucial, as generating runs has been a significant challenge for the Braves lately. Despite having the highest-scoring offense in baseball last year, the Braves have only scored more than three runs in 11 of their last 27 games, where they currently hold a 10-17 record.
Looking Ahead
For the Braves to climb back up in the standings, consistent performances from key players are essential. Improved offensive contributions will be necessary for a more sustained push. The team needs to build on this victory and regain the offensive spark that characterized their play last year.
Quotes from around the league emphasize the improbability of such long gaps between losing streaks. "Those 1930-38 Yankees went 1,243 games between five-game losing streaks," one commentator noted. On López's stellar performance, another expert remarked, "Seven times in those 12 starts he allowed no more than one run. He's been a revelation."
As the Braves look to continue this momentum, their fans remain hopeful that this victory is a turning point for the season. Improved batting and consistent pitching will be the keys to ensuring that they do not slip into another extensive losing streak.
The journey ahead is challenging, and overcoming a 9.5 game deficit will require focus and determination. However, with players like Albies and Ozuna stepping up, there is optimism in Atlanta that the Braves can rediscover their winning ways.