Takeaways from Atlanta Braves’ series-ending loss to the Washington Nationals

The Braves wanted to break out the broom but instead settled for a series win.

The Atlanta Braves wanted to have a perfect start to their season, but the Washington Nationals notched their first win instead. The Braves’ first loss of the season came in a cool, windy, and almost empty Nationals Park. What do you need to know about the contest?

Shuster struggles in his first MLB start

Atlanta entered this season with much loftier goals and hopes than the floundering Nationals and the first two games of the series confirmed one team on the rise and the other drifting towards the basement of the division. Jared Shuster was set to face MacKenzie Gore in another battle of the southpaws. 

The Braves’ Shuster looked out of sorts to start the game - it appeared his nerves got the better of him and he was rushing his pitches, looking completely different than his Spring Training performances. He had a difficult time finding the strike zone, allowing three hits and three walks to start the game (that included walking in a run). He finally settled down and started dealing and finished off the next three batters to end the inning, but the damage was already done with four runs in. 

The Nationals starter, Gore, looked the polar opposite - easily retiring the first six batters he faced. After the close of the first inning, both of these starters turned the contest into a pitcher’s duel. Shuster only managed four and two-thirds innings, but looked great after the disastrous first. However, the pitch count and adrenaline dump took its toll. 

Shuster finished 4.2 innings with six hits, four runs (all earned), five walks and one strikeout. Gore went 5.1 innings with three hits, one earned run, four walks and six strikeouts for Washington.

Michael Tonkin looked amazing in his first appearance in relief for the Braves, but got no offensive help. Transversely, Gore allowed only one run on his way to the win. He exited after five and a third innings of extremely solid pitching. He might be the best pitching option Washington has currently available. 

Braves couldn't find their offense

In the top of the fourth, the Braves did finally break onto the scoreboard as Travis d'Arnaud drove in Ronald Acuña Jr with a sharply-hit base hit. That was all the Braves could muster today as their “leaving runners on base” woes continued. They did have their chances; in the sixth inning they managed to get runners on the corners with one out, but the threat ended when Albies hit into a six-four-three double play. In the seventh, Harris swung in the dirt to pick out a ball that he drove to the wall for a double. He too was stranded when Murphy popped out. For the game, Atlanta finished with eleven runners left on base and only four total hits. 

Defensive Gem

The brightest spot of the day was the Braves’ new catcher Sean Murphy unleashing his arm and putting the league’s base runners on notice, a lesson learned quickly by the Nationals’ Garcia as he attempted to steal second. Murphy's pop time was reported via statcast at 1.86 seconds, an absolutely elite number.

𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐓𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐇𝐘😤 pic.twitter.com/T3i9dShqcO

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 2, 2023

In the end

Nationals took the game 5-1. The Braves take their first series of the year.

Nationals’ Gore gets the win and Finnegan gets the save, both their first.

Shuster takes the first loss of both his and the Braves season.

The Braves finished with one run on four hits, no errors.

The Nationals finished with four runs on six hits, no errors.

What's next for the Braves?

The Braves get on a plane to St. Louis this afternoon for an early season divisional leaders tilt against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:45 ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports Southeast, and is available on MLB.TV outside of the broadcast area. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on WIFN 1340 AM/103.7FM or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com.

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