Takeaways: The Braves drop the series opener 7-6 to the Pirates

The Braves have lost three in a row after a 7-6 loss to the Pirates.

Andrew Stefaniak | Aug 7, 2023

The Braves two-game skid turned into three after they dropped the series opener in Pittsburgh 7-6.

A rough start from Spencer Strider allowed the Pirates to get out to an early 6-0 lead.

The offense didn't vanish in this ball game, but seven runs from the Pirates proved to be one too many for the Braves in this ball game.

What can we take away from this 7-6 loss to the Pirates?

The Braves ace struggled

Spencer Strider had a rough outing for the Braves, only going 2.2 innings, allowing six earned runs while walking three. Strider only struck out three, which is way below his average. He threw 63 pitches, with only 38 of them being strikes. Bad starts are going to happen. That is what happened to Strider in this ball game. I am in no way concerned about Strider and feel like he will be back to shape the next time he toes the rubber. The stache is going to be just fine.

Money Mike continues to rake

Michael Harris II has been on an absolute tear after a rough start to the 2023 season. The Braves nine-hole hitter had another two knocks in this ball game while scoring one of the Braves six runs. One of these two hits was a double, and the Braves center fielder has his batting average up to .283. Money Mike is one of if not the best nine-hole hitters in the league.

Raisel Iglesias had a good inning with a low pitch count

You hate throwing you closer into a game where you trail, but with this Braves offense, you are never out of the game, so I don't mind the decision. The good news is Raisel Iglesias only threw 15 pitches in this outing which means there wasn't all that much stress on his arm. He should be good to go for the rest of the series, thanks to a quick eighth in this ball game.

What's Next?

The Braves will take on the Pirates at 7:05 pm ct on Tuesday, looking to even the series. Yonny Chirinos will get the ball for the Braves against Mitch Keller of the Pirates.

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Published Aug 7, 2023

ANDREW STEFANIAK