Takeaways: Braves drop game one to Houston, can still win the series

Atlanta carried a lead through much of the game but a Yordan Alvarez home run in the 9th ends up being the difference in this one

The Atlanta Braves held a lead for much of tonight's ballgame but couldn't seal the deal as they fell to the Astros, 6-4, in Truist Park. 

After going down 1-0 early, Atlanta staked starter Bryce Elder to a three run lead but ultimately lost, with an 9th inning homerun by Yordan Alvarez being the difference. What can we take away from the contest? 

Bryce Elder did his job

The starter, initially optioned to AAA Gwinnett in the middle of spring training, stepped up with the Max Fried injury to be a reliable option for the Braves rotation. For the game, he went six innings with five hits, one run, and one walk to six strikeouts, his third quality start in his last four outings. 

When Elder left the game, Atlanta was up 4-1 and cruising to a series-opening victory.  He navigated through several close calls and early traffic on the bases to leave Atlanta on track for a victory. 

Matt Olson needs to get better at putting the ball into play

Braves first baseman Matt Olson entered the game with a MLB-leading 31 strikeouts, and added another strikeout to the tally in this loss. One hitter leaving three runners on base in a close contest is frustrating; it's double frustrating from your two-hole hitter that is supposed to be the most reliable bat in your lineup. (Atlanta hitters left a total of sixteen runners on base in a two-run loss.)

Having Ronald Acuña Jr hit a double in front of you twice in one ball game and being unable to advance him (never mind bringing him in) has to be deflating for a Braves squad that praises itself on chemistry and culture. 

Jesse Chavez had a rare stumble

Entering Friday's game, reliever Jesse Chavez was the only pitcher in baseball that had appeared in at least ten games on the season without giving up a run. 

That streak was broken tonight, as Chavez was tagged for three runs in the seventh inning without recording an out, eventually being replaced by Dylan Lee after the 4-1 Braves lead became a 4-4 tie.

Chavez, 39, was sitting on a ten game, nine inning scoreless streak entering this game, but gave up a walk and three consecutive hits (double, single, double) before being replaced in the 7th inning by Dylan Lee with the game tied. 

An uncharacteristic sloppy game on defense

Atlanta committed two defensive errors in the game, a 7th inning dropped ball by Ronald Acuña Jr and a 1st inning throwing error by Austin Riley that both resulted in runs being scored by Houston. 

As Atlanta's defense has been exceptional early in the 2023 season, tonight doesn't *feel* like a big deal, but it's still something to be mindful of. 

What's next? 

2021's MLB wins leader, Kyle Wright, takes the mound against Houston lefty Framber Valdez. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 PM ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports South, and is available on MLB.TV outside of the broadcast area. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com.

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