Mike Foltynewicz helps Braves snap skid with win over Red Sox

Mike Foltynewicz turned in another great performance to help the Atlanta Braves avoid a sweep with a 7-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. However, everything wasn’t great for the Braves as Ronald Acuña Jr. left the game with an apparent knee injury in the seventh.

As has been the case the entire series, the Braves jumped out to an early lead against Chris Sale. Nick Markakis and Kurt Suzuki led off the second inning with a walk and a single. After Ender Inciarte popped up a bunt attempt, Tyler Flowers came to the plate and launched his second home run of the season over the Green Monster in left to put the Braves in front 3-0.

Atlanta added three more runs in the fifth and chased Sale from the game and once again the rally began with a lead off walk. Dansby Swanson drew the free pass and moved to second on a passed ball. Charlie Culberson followed with a single to right that got past Jackie Bradley Jr. allowing Swanson to score. After a ground out by Ozzie Albies and another walk to Acuña, Freddie Freeman came to the plate and doubled off the wall in right center to score both and increase the lead to 6-0.

That was the end of the line for Sale who allowed five hits, three walks and six runs in just 4.1 innings. He did strike out eight but all three walks scored. In two career appearances against Atlanta, Sale has allowed 15 hits and 14 runs in just 10.1 innings.

Foltynewicz carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before it was broken up on a double by Andrew Benintendi. Folty ended up allowing three hits and one run over seven innings. He walked three and struck out seven. He has now allowed a combined two earned runs over his last four starts (23 innings).

A scary situation occurred in the seventh when Acuña legged out an infield single by appeared to hyperextend his left knee after he crossed the bag. He laid on the ground motionless for several minutes before finally getting to his feet and walking off with a limp. The Braves announced that he left due to knee and lower back pain. He will be reevaluated after the game.

Kurt Suzuki brought home an insurance run in the ninth with an infield single that scored Preston Tucker.

Atlanta ends their six-game road trip with a 2-4 record. They will have a short turnaround with the flight home and a Memorial Day doubleheader against the New York Mets scheduled for Monday at SunTrust Park.