WATCH: Ronald Acuña's strong arm snuffs out Cardinals rally

Willson Contreras drove in the first run for the Cardinals, but got greedy and paid the price

Braves rookie starter Dylan Dodd got into the first hot water of his young career in the 4th inning at St. Louis tonight, with his own misplay of a Paul Goldschmidt grounder giving the Cards a chance for a big inning. After retiring the fearsome Nolan Arenado on a fly to right, veteran catcher (and long-time Cub) Willson Contreras came to the plate with two on and two out.

After falling behind 1-2, Contreras fisted one down the right-field line. Braves right-fielder Ronald Acuña, Jr. almost got there in time to record the out, but he trapped the ball as it hit the Busch Stadium turf. Dylan Carlson did come around and score for St. Louis, but a bigger rally was thwarted when Contreras tried to flash his "speed" and turn the bloop hit into a double.

Willson Contreras tested Ronald Acuña Jr.'s arm.

Bad idea. pic.twitter.com/JNuCBQdJCb

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 5, 2023

Despite his protestations to the contrary, Contreras was out at second and the 4th-inning damage was limited to one. The Braves moved to the 5th with a 4-1 lead at St. Louis as they attempt to win the series against their long-time rivals. The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at 1:15 ET before the Braves return to Georgia for their home opener on Thursday against San Diego.

How to watch

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 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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