Atlanta Braves lose to Blue Jays in battle of the bullpens

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 5: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves avoids a tag in the first inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on August 5, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 5: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves avoids a tag in the first inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Truist Park on August 5, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves lost to the Toronto Blue Jays ,1-2, in Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Sean Newcomb had the ball for the Atlanta Braves and pitched 4 2/3 of an inning for the home team. Newk also surrendered five hits, one walk, and two earned runs.

All in all, Newcomb pitched a great game. The Braves’ just could not get anything going on the offensive side of the ball as the Blue Jays pitching staff pitched an incredible game.

Hyun Jin Ryu turned in a quality start for the Blue Jays. Ryu pitched 4 2/3 innings, struck out eight Braves’ batters, and only gave up one hit.

Atlanta Braves’ Bullpen

In 2020, the Braves’ bullpen has pitched more innings than the starting rotation. Normally this would terrify me, but the Braves’ bullpen has been outstanding thus far this season.

The Braves’ bullpen did not surrender a single hit during Wednesday’s contest with the Blue Jays. Josh Tomlin, Shane Greene, Chris Martin, and A.J. Minter combined to throw 4 1/3 innings of no-hit baseball!

Shane Greene was especially impressive in the seventh inning as he struck out the side. The Braves’ bullpen continues to be one of the hottest bullpens in 2020!

Unfortunately for the Braves, the Blue Jays bullpen was just as impressive Wednesday night.

Offense Missing!

The Atlanta Braves finished with three total hits against the Toronto Blue Jays. While these numbers are unfortunate they are not representative of the Braves’ season thus far.

As of Wednesday’s game the Atlanta Braves ball club ranked first in total runs, fifth in hits, and eighth in batting average. Hopefully the Braves return to form in Thursday’s finale with the Blue Jays.

Adam Duvall was the silver lining for the Braves’ offense Wednesday. Duvall finished the game going 2-for-3 with a home run that constituted the sole run for the Braves.

Good News/Bad News

Atlanta Braves’ fans were excited to see Nick Markakis take his first at-bat of 2020. It was a ground-out to first, but what a relief it was to see Markakis back in a Braves’ uniform!

Scott Schebler also made his first plate appearance of 2020 for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves acquired Schebler from the Reds last month and hope he finds a return to his home run power from 2017.

Wednesday’s loss came hot off the heels of the news that the Atlanta Braves placed Ozzie Albies and Matt Adams on the 10 injured list.

Ozzie Albies has clearly been battling a lingering wrist issue. Thus far in 2020, Albies has registered the following slash line: .159/.196/.273. Braves’ fans trust this time away will allow Ozzie to return to form.

Next. 5 pitchers to replace Mike Soroka in the Braves' rotation. dark

The Braves will look to win the series against the Blue Jays on Thursday night in Atlanta. Touki Toussaint will face off against Nate Pearson with a 7pm first pitch.