Atlanta Braves pitcher Grant Holmes (above) is scheduled to start against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. The 11:35 a.m. start is the first and only scheduled first pitch of its kind this season. Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles played the third game of their three-game series on Sunday. The game had a special feeling to it because of a uniquely scheduled 11:35 a.m. first pitch. Truist Park greeters, groundskeepers, and concession staffers were busy preparing for the game as early as 8 a.m.
Braves fans will be able to enjoy several other pre-1 p.m. starts at Truist Park this season. The schedule includes games against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, July 23 (12:15 p.m.), Seattle Mariners on Sunday, September 7 (12:05 p.m.), and Washington Nationals on Wednesday, September 24 (12:15 p.m.).
Atlanta Braves righthander Grant Holmes will make his 18th start of the season this morning. Holmes, 4-7 overall with a 3.47 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 96 innings, is much better than his record indicates. Holmes has been a steady presence in the rotation and has given Braves opponents fits this season despite not getting the run protection a starter needs to succeed.
Braves opponents are hitting .213 against Holmes this season.
What’s Next: The Braves are off on Monday, then will play the next six games (Tuesday-Sunday) on the road. The pre-All-Star break schedule will have the Braves in Sacramento against the A’s and in St. Louis against the Cardinals.
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Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Donnell began his career covering sports and news in Atlanta nearly two decades ago. Since then he has written for Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Southern Cross…
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