Lucas Sims’ 1st Inning Struggles Decide Atlanta Braves’ Fate In 4-1 Loss

The Atlanta Braves could not get enough offense and eventually dropped the game as Lucas Sims has rocky first inning.

The Atlanta Braves went into Sunday’s game looking to sweep the Marlins, after taking the first two games of this series. However, they could not get any offense going against Marlins’ starter Jose Urena, who pitched six strong innings, giving up only three hits and striking out three.

Atlanta’s starter Lucas Sims struggled early in the game, giving up four runs in the first inning. He eventually settled down and pitched a decent game but the Braves couldn’t back him up offensively. Sims eventually went six innings also, striking out three and walking two.

More from Tomahawk Take

• Show the bullpen some love
• Braves News: Atlanta’s left field situation, Dansby negotiations, more
• Alex Anthopoulos discusses the Atlanta Braves payroll, rotation, Grissom, Swanson, Acuña, and more
• Braves News: Braves 2023 rotation speculation, Correa deal on hold, more
• Atlanta Braves: Current Left Field Mix

In the top of the 1st and after getting Miguel Rojas to fly out, Sims hit Giancarlo Stanton with a pitch. Following that was a walk to Christian Yelich.

With two on and one out, Marcell Ozuna shot one to center for a three-run home run.  J.T. Realmuto followed right after with a solo homer to left to add to the Marlins’ lead. Miami up 4-0.

The Braves did not get their first hit until the 4th inning when Ender Inciarte knocked one to deep left for a ground-rule double. The hit extended Inciarte’s hitting streak to 12 games.

Freddie Freeman would draw a walk two at-bats later, but both runners would be stranded on a Nick Markakis double-play.

The Lone Run

In the bottom of the 6th inning, Jace Peterson came in to pinch-hit for Sims and doubled to deep right-center.  Inciarte then singled to center for the Braves first and only run.

The Braves bullpen would handle the rest of the game and did really well. All three relievers (Jason Motte, Jose Ramirez, and Rex Brothers) faced the minimum.

In the 9th, Freeman hit a 2-out single and reached 2nd on “fielder’s indifference” but that would be it for the Braves. Atlanta drops the game 4-1 to Miami and remains in 3rd place, but takes the series.

Overall it seemed be a really slow game (though still came in at 2:29 on the clock) but Inciarte continued his hitting streak and we got to see more of Lucas Sims.

Sims showed that he can remain concentrated and not let his troubles affect him.  After the 1st inning, he scattered 4 hits and walked 1 more batter as he completed 5 shutout innings.

Still haven’t seen the debut of Max Fried.

Next: So Long Sean

The Braves now get a chance at some redemption as they face the Phillies for an odd 2-game series on Tuesday and Wednesday. Last week when the 2 teams faced off, the Braves were swept by the Phillies in four games.  Julio Teheran gets the 1st game start.