Ozzie Albies wanted another chance to step up to the plate with the game on the line after failing to deliver a night earlier.
Given that opportunity, Albies wasted no time in making amends.
Albies hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to give the Atlanta Braves a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Atlanta trailed 2-1 before Albies’ 407-foot throw to left-center field.
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Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies watches his three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
«I actually want to be in those places,» Albies said. «It’s fun when you can help the team with something to win games and score runs. To me, it’s exciting when you get up in those places.»
Albies’ 23rd home run of the season came a day after Devin Williams struck him out with the bases loaded to end the Braves’ 4–3 loss at Milwaukee. The three-time All-Star had gone 0-for-16 since Wednesday before connecting.
«He’s got a slow heart,» Braves manager Brian Snitker said. «He doesn’t panic or anything.»
Albies hit a sinker on the first pitch from Elvis Peguero (1-3) to end a streak of 28 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings by Brewers relievers.
«They’ve been a big reason we’re where we are,» Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. «A little bit, we have to point out that we’re giving them a one-run lead. Scoring two runs probably, regardless of what happens the rest of the game, probably won’t win you many games.»
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Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies, right, reacts with teammates after his three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Milwaukee lost two of three to the NL East-leading Braves and their lead in the NL Central was cut to a half-game over the Cincinnati Reds, who beat Arizona 7-3 earlier in the day. The Brewers and Reds open a three-game series Monday in Milwaukee.
Atlanta slugger Austin Riley went 0-for-4 to end his streak of five straight games with a home run, which tied a Braves record. Riley had gone 10-for-21 with six home runs and 16 RBIs in his last five games, the first time a Braves player had that many home runs and RBIs in a five-game span since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920.
Daysbel Hernandez (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the win in her major league debut. Raisel Iglesias struck out the team in the ninth for his 18th save in 20 chances.
Atlanta’s Travis d’Arnaud went 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double. Milwaukee’s Brice Turang hit a 417-foot home run into the second deck of the right-field bleachers for his first home run since May 14.
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Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder throws to the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
The Brewers wasted a comeback performance by Julio Teherán, who struck out five and allowed just three hits, one run and no walks in six innings. Tehran entered the day having allowed 17 runs in 16 1/3 innings in his last three starts.
Braves starter Bryce Elder also snapped out of a slump, giving up two runs and four hits in six innings.
THE RECOVERY OF TELLEZ
Brewers 1B Rowdy Tellez said he will have 17 stitches removed from his left ring finger Tuesday as he recovers from a freak injury. Tellez hopes to be back in time for the Brewers’ road trip in mid-August that includes series with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.
Tellez was already on the disabled list with right forearm swelling when he was throwing fly balls in Cincinnati on July 15 and jammed his finger into the outfield wall, chipping his nail and fracturing the lock.
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Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Julio Tehran pitches to the Atlanta Braves in the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
«It’s a bit embarrassing,» Tellez said before Sunday’s game. «I feel like I let my team down.»
Tellez is so eager to get back on the course that he discussed the possibility of swinging Wednesday, a day after his stitches were removed. He will be fitted with a metal brace to wear on your finger while he punches.
«I need to get back as soon as I can to help them,» Tellez said.
COACHES ROOM
Braves: LHP Max Fried (forearm) is expected to make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday. LHP AJ Minter (shoulder) could pitch for Gwinnett on Tuesday. … RHP Jesse Chavez (shin) has been placed on the 60-day disabled list.
Brewers: Turang and RF Sal Frelick collided on a shallow right blooper that Turang caught to end a rally in the seventh inning. Both players remained in the game. «They’re a little sore,» Counsell said. «I would say we are optimistic for tomorrow, but we will definitely have to review them tomorrow.»
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Milwaukee Brewers’ Willy Adames, second from right, tags out Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr., left, after throwing him out at second base during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Braves: Rest Monday before starting a series in Boston on Tuesday. RHP Charlie Morton (10-7, 3.36 ERA) will start for the Braves.
Brewers: Host the Reds on Monday. The scheduled starters are RHP Colin Rea (5-4, 4.64) for the Brewers and RHP Graham Ashcraft (5-7, 5.77) for the Reds.