Braves waste fast start in 11-5 loss to Cardinals after seventh-inning collapse
The Braves raced out to an early lead, but a seven-run seventh inning by St. Louis flipped the game in an 11-5 Atlanta loss Thursday night.
ATLANTA —
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The Braves looking to get back into shape after losing back-to-back series, but a strong start in Thursday’s rubber match quickly unraveled as Atlanta fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 11-5.
Atlanta surged ahead with a five-run first inning, carrying a 5-3 lead into the seventh, only to see the Cardinals erupt for seven runs and turn the game completely around. The loss keeping the Braves from building momentum at home and spoiling what had been an encouraging early offensive showing.
Dominic Smith provided the biggest spark for Atlanta in the opening inning, driving in three runs with a double that helped stake the Braves to an early cushion. The hit also knocking Cardinals starter Dustin May from the game after Smith’s liner struck May on the right ankle and skipped down the right-field line. May was charged with five runs while recording just two outs. St. Louis later announced he suffered a contusion to the ankle.
But after Atlanta’s explosive start, the game shifting in the middle innings.
The Cardinals chipped away early, getting a three-run homer from Jordan Walker in the first inning against Braves starter Hurston Waldrep. Making his first major league start since last September, Waldrep settled in after the early damage and gave Atlanta a chance to win, allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings. It was an important outing for the young right-hander, who missed the start of the season while recovering from elbow surgery.
Still, the Braves bullpen could not protect the lead.
St. Louis breaking through in the seventh when Nathan Church launched a game-tying two-run homer off Tyler Kinley. Moments later, JJ Wetherholt delivered a go-ahead RBI single off Dylan Lee, and the inning continued to snowball from there. Walker adding another RBI single as the Cardinals seized full control.
By the end of the frame, Atlanta’s two-run lead had turned into a multi-run deficit, and the Braves had no answer. Alec Burleson adding a home run in the ninth for St. Louis, while Masyn Winn finishing with three hits and a walk as the Cardinals claimed two of three games in the series.
For Atlanta, the night began with promise but ended with frustration. The Braves got the early offense they needed, and Waldrep delivered a serviceable return to the rotation, but the bullpen collapse overshadowed both developments.
The game also marking a roster note for Atlanta, as shortstop Jim Jarvis recorded one hit after being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez was designated for assignment.
The Braves will try to regroup quickly as they open a four-game home series against the Mets. Grant Holmes is scheduled to start for Atlanta against New York right-hander Christian Scott.