You have read this many times in this first half: The Braves had multiple opportunities, but could not come up with the big hit. As a result, they lost the game.
This time, Atlanta dropped its series opener against the Giants, 5-3, on Tuesday at Truist Park. The Braves are 46-37.
Five observations:
1. In the afternoon, Jesse Chavez’s teammates wore customized shirts calling for him to be an All-Star. The shirts were creative: They featured a cartoon drawing of Chavez’s face and had “Chavez ‘24″ at the top – those words surrounded by small stars above and below them as if Chavez were running for president and not to be in Arlington as an All-Star.
Late in the game, Chavez allowed an inherited runner to score and then one run on a home run. He is not perfect – who is? – and surrendered his second earned run since the start of play on May 16.
Far too often, the Braves have needed Chavez and their other pitchers to have herculean efforts. Their offense hasn’t often held up its end.
Down two runs in the eighth inning, the Braves scored when Ozzie Albies grounded a single through the middle. In the top of the ninth, the Giants pushed their lead back to two runs with a homer.