Markakis’ slam, Fried’s strong start lift Braves in game two win

The game got off to a snail’s pace as the Braves went down in order against Luke Weaver in the first inning in order. The Cardinals experienced the same luck against Max Fried as Fried very nearly struck out the side in the bottom of the first.

The second inning was where the Braves got started thanks to a double from Nick Markakis and a big time homer to straightaway center from newly reinstated Ronald Acuña Jr. to give Atlanta a quick 2-0 lead.

Things went fairly quickly from there over the next couple innings as Max Fried continued to sit down batter after batter while looking dominant in the process.

The offense picked back up after Max Fried logged his first career hit in the top of the fifth inning. Ender Inciarte followed with a single and then Ozzie Albies nailed an RBI double into the right field corner. The party didn’t stop there either as Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked to load the bases in front of Nick Markakis who proceeded to smack a ball deep into the left field seats for a grand slam to put the Braves up 7-0. Ronald Acuña Jr. then slammed a double down the left field line and the blowout was on as Dansby Swanson brought him in with an RBI single to center field increasing the lead to 8-0.

Fried continued his stellar night on the mound with a quick 1-2-3 inning to get the Braves offense back on the field. Atlanta took advantage right away as Ender Inciarte quickly got on base and was chased home by another Ozzie Albies RBI hit. Albies was then brought home to cap the 6th by a Nick Markakis sacrifice fly to make the lead double digits at 10-0.

As the Braves bats continued to boom Max Fried was able to work out of trouble in the bottom of the sixth inning to preserve his shutout and kept the ball rolling from there getting his 10th and 11th strikeouts of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning before being removed due to his pitch count.

The Braves have done a fine job of stifling the Cardinals’ offense in this series so far and the bullpen continued that late in the game. Matt Wisler took over and managed to save some guys in the pen after an inning and two thirds of 4 run ball.

The Braves did add on one final run in the top of the ninth inning after Ronald Acuña Jr. doubled to center and advanced to third on error. Johan Camargo brought him in with a sacrifice fly to make it 11-0 and sealed the deal for Atlanta.

Sam Freeman came into the game in the bottom of the ninth for the final two outs and he did just that to finish off the Cardinals.

Atlanta will be looking for the series sweep tomorrow which would be a fantastic start to this long road trip.