Braves 6, Rangers 3
ARLINGTON, Texas, Apr 29 — It was supposed to be a brand new start for the Texas Rangers against the Atlanta Braves. They were optimistic coming into their latest series against Atlanta. What it turned into, however, was more of the same for the Rangers. On Friday night, they lost their first game against the 2021 World Champion Braves. The final score on this night was 6-3. The second game in this three-game set against Atlanta is on Saturday. Right-hander Bryce Elder (1–2, 4.30 ERA) will start for the Braves. The Rangers will counter with righty Dane Dunning (0–1, 4.91 ERA).
All Around the Globe
Even though the Rangers took the loss, their fans still got to see something special. In the top of the third inning, Braves right fielder Travis Demeritte hit an inside the park home run to put Atlanta on top by a score of 3–1. It wasn’t just special, it was history. It was amazingly the first home run in the history of Globe Life Field. Prior to Demeritte, nobody had ever hit a home run of the indoor variety either in the regular season or postseason. Even though it tilted the score in the Braves’ favor, fans in attendance will always be able to say that they were there for it.
Braves’ Offense
The Demeritte homer came in the third inning. They scored their first two runs in the top of the first inning. Austin Riley slugged a two-run shot to center field. This was off Rangers’ starting pitcher Garrett Richards. Atlanta added to their home run total in the top of the fourth. This time, it was off the bat of William Contreras. It extended the Braves’ lead to 4–1. Later in the inning, Dansby Swanson scored on an RBI single by Matt Olson.
This was interesting because it didn’t stop there. A throwing error by Marcus Semien led to a tag play that had to be reviewed. The call was ultimately upheld, and the base hit and run stayed on the board. It was now 5–1 Braves. In the top of the sixth inning, Contreras did it again. He hit another home run. This one was to center field. It stretched the Atlanta lead to 6–1.
Rangers’ Offense
Adonis Garcia got the night started for Texas in the bottom of the second inning. He hit a solo shot to left field to give the Rangers their first run. Coincidentally, he would also drive in their second run in the bottom of the sixth inning. It came on a ground out that brought in Semien. Their third and final run came compliments of Corey Seager. He hit his third home run of the season to inch the Rangers closer. Unfortunately, that is where the scoring would stop for the Rangers. They need to get the bats going.
Pitching Notes
Garrett Richards acted as an opener for the Rangers in this one. He pitched one inning. He gave up two earned runs on two hits, one of them being a home run. It didn’t produce the best result, however, it was a learning experience for him. Richards walked one, and struck out two. Spencer Howard took over in the second frame. He went one and two-third innings, giving up one earned run on two hits. He walked two, and struck out three. Brett Martin came in briefly, a third of an inning, to be exact. He had one strikeout. Next up was Brock Burke. He went two innings. Burke gave up two runs, one of them was earned. He struck out four, and gave up one home run.
‘Then it was Albert Abreu’s turn. He pitched an inning and a third. He gave up one earned run, on a home run. Abreu walked four, and struck out one. Kolby Allard ended the night for Texas. He pitched two and two thirds. He gave up one hit, and had two strikeouts. Starter Ian Anderson got the win for the Braves (2–1, 4.66 ERA). Richards took the loss for Texas. (0–1, 4.00 ERA). Kenley Jansen got the save for Atlanta. It was his sixth of the year.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Bryce Elder, Dane Dunning, Travis Demeritte, Austin Riley, Garrett Richards, William Contreras, Dansby Swanson, Matt Olson, Marcus Semien, Adonis Garcia, Corey Seager, Spencer Howard, Brett Martin, Brock Burke, Albert Abreu, Kolby Allard, Ian Anderson, Kenley Jansen
