Takeaways: Atlanta Braves rout Pittsburgh Pirates 8-2 in series opener

Atlanta used small ball to control Friday night's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Atlanta used the short game to control Friday night's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Braves (92-48) are now 3-2 against the Pirates this season after going 2-2 in their first series back in early August.

Here are takeaways from the game.

Small ball was Atlanta's catalyst

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves ended up hitting a pair of home runs - one from Eddie Rosario, another from Ronald Acuna Jr. - but Atlanta really focused on scoring through a thousand cuts - tallying 12 hits for their 8 runs.

It shows the versatility of the Braves' lineup.

Bryce Elder hits a season-high in strikeouts

Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Elder finished with a season-high nine strikeouts against the Pirates on Friday night. He went 7.0 innings and allowed four hits and two runs. Elder isn't known for strikeouts, but coaxed the Pittsburgh hitters into nine.

Ronald Acuna has another great night

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Acuna finished 3-4 with two RBIs, two runs, and a homer against Pittsburgh. His hitting alongside Eddie Rosario (2-4, 3 RBIs, home run) sparked the majority of Atlanta's offense.

What's next?

The Braves will enter game two of the series vs the Pirates tomorrow at 7:20 p.m. ET/6:20 p.m. ET. Charlie Morton is on the mound for the Braves and Johan Oviedo will handle starting duties for Pittsburgh. The game will be televised on Bally Sports Southeast.

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