The Atlanta Braves are looking to maintain the offensive momentum generated by their spectacular comeback in Friday night’s opener as they prepare to host the Minnesota Twins in Game 2 of their three-game series on Saturday.
The Braves staged a thrilling rally in the eighth inning on Friday, plating five runs to secure a 6–4 victory over Minnesota. The win extended Atlanta’s winning streak over the Twins to nine games, a stretch that began on August 5, 2019.
“This felt more like the Braves tonight. It was a good win,” manager Brian Snitker said following the emotional triumph. “We were a little lethargic for a while, and it was good to see how guys kept fighting and had really good at-bats. They should be very encouraged by what happened.”
More than just a comeback win, the performance could serve as a turning point for an offense that has struggled with inconsistency in the early weeks of the MLB season.
Chris Sale searching for redemption on the mound
Veteran left-hander Chris Sale continues to search for the dominant form that earned him the 2024 National League Cy Young Award. Through his first four starts this season, Sale has failed to pitch more than five innings in any outing, raising concerns about his effectiveness and durability.
“Frustrated would be a wild understatement,” Sale admitted. “I’m just bad. I’m trying to compete and trying to throw strikes, and it’s just not working. I don’t know if I’ve ever been this frustrated. I feel like I’m against the wall right now, and I’m getting nothing out of it.”
Braves vs Twins: A key game
The Braves entered the series with a team batting average of .222, ranking 11th in the National League, a statistic that highlights their offensive struggles. Saturday’s matchup will feature Minnesota’s Simeon Woods Richardson (1–1, 4.30 ERA), a promising right-hander, against Atlanta’s Chris Sale (0–2, 6.63 ERA), a seasoned ace in need of a breakthrough.
SURVEY Can the Braves sustain their offensive momentum after the comeback vs. the Twins?
Can the Braves sustain their offensive momentum after the comeback vs. the Twins?
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This pitching duel sets up a compelling narrative: a rising young arm versus a veteran trying to reignite his dominance. With Atlanta riding the wave of Friday’s comeback, Game 2 could be pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of the series—and perhaps for the Braves’ season.