In its season debut in the MLBCharlie Morton showed a promising performance, leading the Atlanta Braves to a solid 9-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox, albeit shortened by rain.
Chicago's Cold Did Not Affect the Braves
Struggling initially with the cold conditions in Chicago, Morton struggled to find the rhythm of his curve. But despite a shaky start, he managed to show resilience on the mound. After allowing a single to Yoan Moncada and giving up a walk to Andrew Vaughn, loading the bases, Morton bounced back in impressive fashion.
He struck out Luis Robert Jr. and induced Paul DeJong into a crucial grounder to get out of the inning unscathed, effectively using his repertoire of fast pitches.
In the second inning, Morton faced his former teammate, Nicky Lopez, who managed to get a fly ball. However, Lopez's attempt to steal a base was thwarted by a flawless throw from Travis d'Arnaud, culminating in a crucial double play strikeout and out at second.
Dominic Fletcher followed with another single, but Morton quickly induced Andrew Benintendi to hit a grounder, extinguishing the inning-ending threat.
While Morton struggled with numerous runners on base in the early innings, White Sox starter Chris Flexen got off to a solid start, retiring the first seven batters he faced.
However, Travis d'Arnaud broke the streak with a double in the third inning, followed by a single by Jarred Kelenic, putting runners at the corners.
Ronald Acuña Jr. then made a quick run to first base on a ground ball, allowing d'Arnaud to cross the plate, giving the Braves a 1-0 lead.
They won #LosBravos! #somosbravescountry pic.twitter.com/ZeamJfGBFN
- Atlanta Braves (@LosBravos) April 1, 2024
Atlanta Shined Offensively
Atlanta's offense surged once again in the fourth inning against Flexen. Marcell Ozuna ignited the rally with a single, advancing to third on Michael Harris II's double. Orlando Arcia continued his impressive early season form with a double of his own, extending the Braves' lead to 3-0.
The Braves capitalized on Flexen's struggles, loading the bases and adding another run on an uncontrolled pitch from Chicago reliever Bryan Shaw, increasing their lead to 4-0.
In the sixth inning, Atlanta kept up its relentless offense. Acuna connected for a double with two outs, followed quickly by another double from Ozzie Albies, bringing Acuna to the plate.
Austin Riley then connected on a timely single to left field, further increasing the Braves' lead to 6-0.
After the momentum in the game, Morton found his rhythm, efficiently retiring the opposing side in order during the fourth and fifth innings.
Returning for the sixth, he added his third strikeout against Robert and induced Vaughn into a fly ball before manager Brian Snitker opted to bolster the bullpen, calling on Dylan Lee, who promptly struck out Sheets to close out the inning.
Despite early control problems, Morton settled down on the mound and got the job done. He gave up three hits, awarded two walks and totaled six strikeouts in 5 2⁄3 2⁄3 innings without allowing a run against a weak lineup facing adverse weather conditions.
With the rain intensifying in the sixth and seventh innings, Lee remained composed, adding another strikeout while maintaining order.
In the eighth inning, Acuña's base on balls and Albies' hit put runners on the corners before the grounds crew intervened with the arrival of rain, causing a delay.
After a 45-minute break, play resumed and Austin Riley wasted no time, launching a three-run home run on the second pitch, significantly extending the Braves' lead.
Tyler Matzek showed dominance in the bottom of the eighth, striking out all three batters, before the rain returned, prompting the game's premature conclusion.
