The Atlanta Braves had a rough start to their crucial series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, falling 7-1 at Truist Park.
The loss came against one of the American League’s top teams and marked Atlanta’s third defeat in its last four games. Despite the setback, the Braves remain in control of the NL East, holding a four-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Tampa Bay wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Junior Caminero launched a towering 455-foot solo home run in the first inning, giving the Rays an early advantage and his 39th homer of the season.
Atlanta answered immediately. Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin recorded consecutive singles in the bottom of the inning, allowing the Braves to tie the game. Atlanta even loaded the bases, but the opportunity disappeared when Austin Riley struck out to end the threat.
From there, the Rays took control.
Liam Hicks blasted a two-run homer in the third inning, and Victor Mesa Jr. followed with an RBI single to give Tampa Bay a 4-1 advantage. Yandy Díaz added another run in the sixth before hitting his second homer of the night in the eighth. Richie Palacios capped the scoring with a solo shot in the ninth.
Atlanta’s pitching struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s lineup. AJ Smith-Shawver lasted only 3⅓ innings, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three.
Meanwhile, Freddy Peralta settled down after Atlanta’s first-inning rally. The Rays starter allowed just one run on five hits across six innings, keeping the Braves’ offense quiet for the remainder of his outing.
Atlanta managed only five hits and struggled to generate much offense after the first inning.
The Braves will have to quickly turn the page with two games remaining against Tampa Bay. Even with Tuesday’s loss, Atlanta remains four games ahead of Philadelphia in the division, making every game down the stretch increasingly important.
The Braves cannot afford many more performances like this as they attempt to hold onto the NL East and prepare for October baseball.
