Braves out-slugged by Yankees in 6-3 loss

The Braves were once again battered early on, falling to the Yankees on Wednesday by a 6-23final. New York overcame an early deficit to score six consecutive runs, two of which came on back-to-back homers in the second inning. The Atlanta bullpen was uncharacteristically shaky in this one, though in fairness they were asked to work seven innings after opener Huascar Ynoa was able to retire just three batters.

The Braves deployed Ynoa in an opener role for the second time in four days, with the results being much less encouraging this time out. The right-hander allowed four hits and three walks while working an inning-plus, retiring just three batters. Ynoa was able to work out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, but allowed back-to-back homers to lead off the second inning. A walk and single followed, ending the night for Ynoa.

This marks the 12th game in 20 opportunities that an Atlanta starter has worked fewer than five innings. With Ynoa acting as an opener, this could be expected, but one inning and seven baserunners is hardly the result that was expected or desired. It remains to be seen whether Ynoa will be tasked with opening another game, but this outing did little to cement his status going forward.

In relief of Ynoa the Braves called upon Tyler Matzek, who allowed two runs in 2¹⁄₃ innings of work. The left-hander worked through the second and third innings scoreless, but a single and double cost Matzek a run and the ball as Snitker removed him in favor of Josh Tomlin. The Yankees were able to scratch across a run against Tomlin, driving home Aaron Hicks, whose run was charged to Matzek. Tomlin remained in the game for the fifth inning, when he allowed two more runs. One of those runs can be partially attributed to some awful defense in center field, which has become an alarming trend for Atlanta. Tomlin left the game with two outs in the fifth, giving way to Darren O’Day.

This game was frustrating for Atlanta, as defensive miscues and a lack of timely hitting cost them dearly, along with their poor showing from the relief corps. The lone bright spot for the Braves was Johan Camargo’s second-deck blast in the second inning, which gave the Braves a quick 2-0 lead against Masahiro Tanaka. Dansby Swanson managed three hits and Nick Markakis added two hits, but the offensive highlights were not plentiful for Atlanta, as they were unable to push across another run until the ninth inning, when Travis d’Arnaud drove home Swanson to make the score 6-3. This prompted the Yankees to bring in closer Zach Britton, who quickly closed the door and ended the affair.

Atlanta will look to right the ship after a much-needed off-day on Thursday. The club has played 20 games in 20 days to begin the season, and will now prepare for a weekend series in Miami.