The Atlanta Braves Snap Five-Game Losing Streak
The Atlanta Braves are back in the win column. Thanks to standout performances from Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna, paired with a strong effort from Reynaldo López, the Braves managed to avoid a sweep by the Baltimore Orioles. The Braves clinched a 6-3 victory at Camden Yards on Thursday afternoon, effectively halting their longest single-season losing streak since 2017.
A Historic Losing Streak Ends
Atlanta's five-game losing streak marked their longest within a single season since a six-game skid from September 25-30, 2017. Although the team experienced other losing streaks that spanned the off-seasons and into the starts of new seasons—five games from 2018 to 2019 and six games from 2020 to 2021—this recent slump is the first of its kind in a season since 2017. Such a lengthy gap between five-game losing streaks is truly historic; only the 1930-38 New York Yankees went longer, with 1,243 games between such streaks compared to Atlanta's 934.
Key Performances Help Secure the Win
Marcell Ozuna set the tone early by doubling in two runs during the first inning. By the fourth inning, Ozzie Albies had added two more with a timely single. On the pitching side, Reynaldo López delivered an impressive performance, holding the Orioles to just two singles and a walk over six shutout innings. López also struck out eight batters, bringing his ERA to an impressive 1.69 through 12 starts this season. Remarkably, in seven of those 12 starts, López has allowed no more than one run.
Albies had an outstanding day at the plate, going 4 for 5 with two doubles, while Ozuna went 2 for 4 with a walk. Ozuna's contributions have been crucial, as he drove in his 56th and 57th runs of 2024, leading the National League in RBIs.
Offensive Challenges Continue Despite Victory
Even with Thursday's victory, the Braves have struggled offensively in recent weeks, evidenced by their 10-17 record over the last 27 games. Thursday's game marked only the 11th time in this span that the Braves scored more than three runs. This is a stark contrast to last year when Atlanta boasted the highest-scoring offense in baseball. Generating runs has become a significant challenge, particularly of late.
With Thursday's win, Atlanta's record improved to 36-30 for the season. However, they still find themselves 9.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies as they head into Thursday night's action. Meanwhile, the Orioles stand strong with a 45-23 record following Thursday's loss, securing the second-best record in the American League.
As the Braves look to build on this momentum, they will need consistent performances from key players and improved offensive contributions to mount a more sustained push in the standings.
Quotes
"Those 1930-38 Yankees went 1,243 games between five-game losing streaks."
"Seven times in those 12 starts he allowed no more than one run. He's been a revelation."