Braves Win Streak Ends but Huge Turnaround Changes Everything

Coming into Sunday’s series finale in Arizona, the Braves were on a three game win streak. Spencer Schwellenbach took the mound in the finale, seeking to extend the win streak and pick up his second win of the season. He made a six inning start and notched six strikeouts, his most since picking up the win in Atlanta’s home opener on April 4. 

Despite Schwellenbach’s strikeout value, the Diamondbacks also found a way to hit off the righty. Schwellenbach gave up seven hits and four runs, three earned. He has allowed six plus hits in each of his past four starts. Schewellenbach did so in just seven of 21 starts last year and just once in his final nine starts. When he exhausted his outing, the Braves were trailing 4-1.

The Braves lessened their deficit to 4-3 in the seventh inning, during which Nick Allen and Alex Verdugo each contributed RBI singles. Verdugo was the offensive star of the game, going 4-4 with two RBIs and a walk. Since joining the Braves, the left fielder has batted .333 and has been a welcome addition to the struggling squad.

Aaron Bummer replaced Schwellenbach on the hill but lasted just 0.2 innings, allowing a season-high two runs. The Braves aimed to battle back from their 6-3 deficit in the ninth inning and brought in a run courtesy of a Marcell Ozuna RBI double, but an Ozzie Albies lineout ended the game. Albies is 2-for-17 with two outs and RISP this season.

Although the series finale loss and the end of the win streak is disappointing, it seems as though Atlanta has turned things around since a rough start to the season. 

The Braves will remain on the road for a three-game series against the Rockies, who are 4-23. Atlanta will aim to pick up another series win before returning home for series against the Dodgers and Reds.