Braves hit four home runs but can’t keep pace with Cardinals

“It’s tough to win two games in a doubleheader, but to see the offensive battle, it was really cool to see,” Riley said. “I didn’t get there, but the offense, to see a battle out there, it was really cool.”

Gray, 34, gave up a career-high four home runs against the Braves. It was also the first time he gave up three home runs in an inning.

2. The Braves found themselves in a tough spot early this season because starting pitcher Bryce Elder faltered in his last major league return. In his first outing since July 8, Elder allowed six earned runs on eight hits (two homers) while striking out nine and issuing one walk. It continued a frustrating season for Elder, who since being named to the 2023 All-Star Game has not found stability in the rotation.

“It’s tough (to go from Triple-A to the major leagues),” manager Brian Snitker said. “It’s not easy when you take your starts away and you get ready and get into your routine, it’s not an easy thing to do. I told him last time he was going to be an alligator at the end of this year because of everything he’s been through. That’s part of it in today’s game.”

“He’ll be better for it. But it’s hard to do when you’re training and you’re in a routine and you’re not throwing and you’re waiting. It’s not an easy thing to ask him to do. He’s a hard fighter and he’s competitive.”

Elder will be called up in cases where the Braves want to maneuver their rotation for extra rest, but beyond injury, he won’t have a consistent role with the club in 2024.

3. Rosario hit two home runs Saturday, his first games at Truist Park since joining the Braves after the Nationals let him go. It was a hugely encouraging day for a player who has had a huge impact on the Braves before (he was with the club from mid-2021 to 2023).

“We’ve seen what he’s done in the past with us,” Riley said. “We know what he’s capable of. To get him back on track would be huge because we know what he’s capable of.”

The two home runs were Rosario’s first since signing with the Braves. He had been without a home run in 33 games entering the afternoon.

4. Ozuna hit his 27th and 28th homers off Gray, collecting his 78th and 79th RBIs, a NL high. Ozuna is on pace for his third 30-homer season and could top 40 for the second straight season.

Since May 2023, when Ozuna enjoyed his resurgence, he is tied with Aaron Judge for second-most home runs (65) behind Shohei Ohtani (66). It’s hard to imagine where the Braves’ underachieving offense would be without its designated hitter.

5. The Braves are 2-2 in doubleheaders this season, tied with the Padres and Cardinals. They won an MLB-record seven doubleheaders last year (in 10 games).

Statistics to know

4 (The Braves tied a season high with four home runs on the night. It was just the fourth time in the last 25 times the Braves have lost a game in which they hit that many home runs.)

Quotable

“We’re a hard-hitting team. We’re a power-hitting team. It was nice to see that in Game 2.” – Riley

Following

The Braves and Cardinals close out their series Sunday when Spencer Schwellenbach (3-4, 4.43) faces Miles Mikolas (7-8, 5.13).