Tampa Bay Rays vs. Atlanta Braves Scores, Stats and Recap – June 14, 2024 Gametracker

ATLANTA (AP) Austin Riley drove in three runs with three hits, including a two-run homer, Marcell Ozuna added a three-run shot and the long-running Atlanta Braves offense offered signs of recovery in a 7-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

Chris Sale (9-2) improved to 7-0 at home. The left-hander allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in seven innings.

Riley hit a double in Atlanta’s five-run first inning and added a two-run homer, only his fourth, in the second.

The Braves’ seven runs, all in the first two innings, were their best total for a complete game since an 8-3 win at Boston on June 4. It was a much-awaited positive point for a training in difficulty.

The Braves’ 3.55 runs per game since May 1 ranks as the second-lowest average in the majors, ahead of only the Chicago White Sox (3.25), during that span.

Atlanta’s bats showed encouraging production in a 6-3 win at Baltimore on Thursday, snapping a five-game losing streak. The Braves’ 12 hits against Baltimore were their most since June 1. They added 12 against Rays right-hander Zack Littell (2-5) and four relievers.

“Over the last few days, we’ve seen some positive results from some individuals,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said before the game. “When this thing goes around, it can be a lot of fun to watch, that’s for sure.”

Ozuna has been the only consistent hitter in an otherwise disappointing lineup. He leads the NL with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs.

Braves leadoff hitter Michael Harris II left the game in the first inning due to left hamstring strain. There was no immediate update on the severity of the injury.

Atlanta lost right fielder and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending knee injury on May 26.

The Rays took a 1-0 lead in the first period on Amed Rosario’s RBI double, but stranded runners at second and third when Sale struck out Jose Siri and Jonny DeLuca.

Littell allowed seven runs, six earned, on eight hits, including homers by Ozuna and Riley, in two innings.

Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic hit a jumper over the wall on DeLuca’s drive off Dylan Lee in the ninth after a double from Siri. Richie Palacios, who hit a run-scoring double in the seventh, drove in Siri with a single. Raisel Iglesias recorded the final takedown for his 18th save.

TRAINERS ROOM

Rays: DH/OF Harold Ramírez, who was designated for assignment last week, is a free agent after receiving his outright release. … 2B José Caballero (illness) left the game in the third inning.

Braves: RHP Ian Anderson is getting closer to a rehab assignment as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery in April 2023. Anderson has pitched at the team’s complex in Florida and is getting closer to a assignment rehabilitation. “He’s been pretty good,” Snitker said. “All we have to do now is develop it.”

FOLLOWING

Former Rays RHP Charlie Morton (3-3, 4.12) will face his former team when the Braves take on Tampa Bay RHP Ryan Pepiot (4-3, 4.17) on Saturday. Morton pitched for the Rays in 2019 and 2020.

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