Four straight losses for the Braves, and the six-time defending NL East champions are now fighting for their playoff lives with just under 50 games remaining. Consistency has been impossible to come by in Atlanta. About 10 days ago, the Braves were probably at their highest point since late April, winners of six out of seven, cutting the lead in the division to just five games. Since then, they’ve lost four straight, which included a stretch of 24 straight scoreless innings.
The offense wasn’t the issue last night in Atlanta. The Braves got on the board early in the first, giving Chris Sale a two-run lead. In most starts this season, that would have been enough for the veteran ace, who has been nothing short of sensational in his first year with the Braves. Milwaukee put together some fantastic at-bats, however, making Sale work from the opening frame and were able to chase him by the fifth inning with the game tied.
The Braves would re-take the lead on an Austin Riley home run, but that would be just about the last positive moment of the night, as the Brewers continued to crush the Braves with two strike hits on their way to an 8-5 win.
The loss puts the Braves just 0.5 games ahead of the Mets for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. Atlanta has also dropped 7.5 games behind the Phillies in the NL East, as they desperately search for any signs of life.
The Braves could get some next week in the form of Michael Harris II, though. The star centerfielder began his rehab assignment Tuesday night, going 1-for-4 with a single. On Wednesday, Harris was in the lineup again as the designated hitter; this time, racking up three hits — all singles — and a walk in five plate appearances.
Michael Harris last appeared for the Braves on June 14th after suffering a severe hamstring strain. He’s eligible to return from the 60-day IL on August 14th, and if there are no setbacks, there is little doubt he will be back with the Braves during their west coast road trip next week.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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