Atlanta Braves Take Series from Cincinnati Reds, 2-1

 

CINCINNATI, May 8, 2024 – The Atlanta Braves showcased a blend of power, precision, and resilience to clinch a 2-1 series victory over the Cincinnati Reds this week. Fueled by standout performances from Larry Doby and Dwight Evans, the Braves outplayed the Reds in a tightly contested series.
 

Game 1: Braves Triumph in Offensive Showdown, 7-4

 

In the series opener on Sunday night, the Braves set the tone with a 7-4 victory. Jim Palmer pitched seven strong innings, fanning eight while allowing four runs on nine hits.

 

Inning-Scoring Summary:

• 2nd Inning: Braves' Honus Wagner singled and stole second, scoring on Larry Doby's RBI single. Red Rolfe's single brought in Doby, putting the Braves up 2-0.
• 3rd Inning: Braves extended their lead with Larry Doby’s RBI single and Ernie Lombardi’s RBI single, making it 3-0. Reds answered with Tony Kubek's fielder's choice, scoring Andre Dawson (3-1).
• 5th Inning: Larry Doby tripled and scored on an error by Bob Meusel, increasing the Braves' lead to 4-1.
• 6th Inning: Billy Rollins doubled, scoring Red Rolfe (5-1). Reds responded with Jim Thome's RBI triple and Ron Gant's RBI double, closing the gap to 5-4.
• 7th Inning: Larry Doby hit a two-run homer, providing crucial insurance runs for the Braves (7-4).

 

"Larry was on fire tonight," said Braves manager Bobby Cox. "His energy and hitting really carried us through some tough spots."

 

Key Players:

• Larry Doby (Braves): 3-for-5, HR, 3B, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R
• Jim Palmer (Braves): 7 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 8 SO
• Ron Gant (Reds): 1-for-3, 2B, RBI

 

Game 2: Evans Leads Braves to 6-2 Victory

 

Monday's game saw Dwight Evans emerge as the hero, driving in two runs with a pair of doubles. Evans, who went 3-for-4, was instrumental in the Braves' 6-2 win. Phil Niekro pitched seven solid innings, giving up two runs on eight hits while striking out six.

 

Inning-Scoring Summary:

• 2nd Inning: Dwight Evans doubled, scoring Larry Doby. Honus Wagner's fielder's choice brought in another run, making it 2-0 Braves.
• 3rd Inning: Billy Latner's RBI single for the Reds brought the score to 2-1.
• 5th Inning: Dwight Evans doubled again, scoring Tommy Henrich, extending the Braves' lead to 3-1.
• 5th Inning: Monte Irvin's RBI double brought the Reds closer at 3-2.
• 7th Inning: Dwight Evans' sacrifice fly scored Billy Rollins. Ernie Lombardi’s two-run double sealed the win at 6-2.

 

"Dwight came through in the clutch for us," said Bobby Cox. "His bat was crucial in those key moments."

 

Key Players:

• Dwight Evans (Braves): 3-for-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, R
• Ernie Lombardi (Braves): 3-for-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI
• Phil Niekro (Braves): 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 6 SO

 

Game 3: Reds Salvage Series with 2-1 Victory

 

In the series finale on Wednesday, the Reds narrowly avoided a sweep with a 2-1 win. Jerry Koosman pitched a gem, striking out seven over six scoreless innings.

 

Inning-Scoring Summary:

• 5th Inning: Andre Dawson broke the deadlock with a solo home run, putting the Reds up 1-0.
• 6th Inning: Ron Gant’s fielder's choice scored Jim Thome, extending the Reds' lead to 2-0.
• 9th Inning: The Braves mounted a late comeback attempt as Dwight Evans scored on Ernie Lombardi’s groundout, but the Reds held on for the win.

 

"It was a tight game, and every run counted," Dawson said. "Glad we could pull through and get the win."

 

Key Players:

• Andre Dawson (Reds): 1-for-3, HR, RBI
• Jerry Koosman (Reds): 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 7 SO
• Kirk McCaskill (Braves): 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 4 SO

 

Series Recap

 

The Braves won the series 2-1, showcasing a potent offense led by series MVP Larry Doby. Doby batted .462 (6-for-13) with a home run, triple, three doubles, five RBIs, and four runs scored. Dwight Evans also made significant contributions, going 6-for-11 with three doubles and four RBIs.

 

Series MVP: Larry Doby (Braves): 6-for-13, HR, 3B, 3 2B, 5 RBI, 4 R

 

Team Stats:

• Braves Total Runs: 14
• Reds Total Runs: 8
• Braves Batting Average: .301
• Reds Batting Average: .244
• Braves Home Runs: 1
• Reds Home Runs: 2
• Braves Pitching ERA: 2.75
• Reds Pitching ERA: 4.67

 

The Braves will look to carry their momentum into their next series, while the Reds aim to rebound and find more consistency both on the mound and at the plate.