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The Atlanta Braves were unable to complete the sweep, but still came away with a series win over the Washington Nationals in the opening series of the 2023 season.
Atlanta took the opener, 7-2 behind four hits from Travis d’Arnaud. The game wasn’t without incident though as Max Fried left the game in the fourth inning with a hamstring strain and is likely headed to the injured list. Atlanta’s bullpen covered the final 5 2/3 innings while allowing just one run.
The Braves recorded 10 hits and scored seven runs in the opener without the benefit of a home run. They didn’t have to wait long in Saturday’s game 2 as Ronald Acuña Jr and Matt Olson went back-to-back to start the game. Olson would add another homer later and Spencer Strider cruised through six scoreless as Atlanta won 7-1.
Jared Shuster made his major league debut for the Braves on Sunday and struggled initially allowing four runs in the first inning. Atlanta’s offense was unable to get on track as they managed just four hits against MacKenzie Gore and four Nationals relievers. Shuster settled down after the rocky first inning but allowed six hits and five walks in just 4 2/3 innings.
The Braves will continue their road trip Monday when they travel to St. Louis to begin a three-game series against the Cardinals. Charlie Morton will make his first start of the season in the opener. Rookie left-hander Dylan Dodd is scheduled to make his major league debut on Tuesday. Fried was scheduled to start Wednesday’s game, but that spot will most likely go to Bryce Elder who started Friday’s season opener at Gwinnett and is lined up to make the start.