On Sunday, the Atlanta Braves managed a rare win against the Washington Nationals in a game that lasted just seven innings and featured more delays than actual game time (2:57 delay, 2:36 game time).
Matt Wisler received the start for Atlanta. He began the game with five consecutive scoreless innings but did allow a pair of earned runs in the sixth. His final line: 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K.
Meanwhile, Washington welcomed the return of impressive sophomore starter Joe Ross. The 23-year-old had been on the disabled list since early July with shoulder inflammation. He went three innings, allowing six hits, one earned run, and zero walks while striking out five. He was pulled so early due to a predetermined pitch limit for his first start back since his injuries.
Atlanta continued its run of surprisingly competent offensive output, collecting a total of 12 hits over six and two-thirds before rain cut the game short. Every single spot in the lineup recorded at least one hit (though Wisler went hitless, utility man Emilio Bonifacio did collect a single out of the nine hole as a pinch hitter).
Third baseman Adonis Garcia paced the club, going 3-for-4 with three RBI. First baseman Freddie Freeman extended his hit streak to 21 with an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth.
One batter who didn’t get a hit was Rio Ruiz, Atlanta’s recently promoted third base prospect. Ruiz was set to receive what would have been his debut Major League at-bat, pinch-hitting for reliever Shae Simmons in the bottom of the seventh. However, as Ruiz prepared to face big league pitching for the first time, the rain returned, ultimately ending the game prematurely.
As of yet, he still has zero Major League plate appearances to his name.
Tomorrow, both teams will begin series with a different NL East opponent. Atlanta will make the trek to Flushing to face the New York Mets. Washington will head south to play the Miami Marlins.
Scott Ferris covers the Braves as a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter @ScottHFerris
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