Braves’ rally comes up short in Game 1 of NLDS

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves did not get off to the start that they wanted for their World Series defense.

The Braves couldn’t complete a rally in the ninth and dropped Game 1 of the NLDS to the Phillies, 7-6. Matt Olson made it interesting with a 3-run home run to bring Atlanta within one. But it wouldn’t be enough.

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The Braves find themselves down in the series after a rough Max Fried start and struggles with runners in scoring position.

Fried completed only 3.1 innings pitched and gave up eight hits and four earned runs. It’s the first time this year he was pulled before the fifth inning. Fried battled flu-like symptoms in his last start but said he wasn’t going to make any excuses.

“I took the ball today and put us in a big hole right off the bat. They came out swinging and had a really good approach, and frankly I just didn’t do my job today. The guys were counting on me to go out and have a good start and keep it a close game.”

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Meanwhile offensively, Atlanta went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left the bases loaded twice.

The Braves and Phillies return to Truist Park on Wednesday for Game 2. Wins-leader Kyle Wright and Smyrna native Zack Wheeler will get the start for Atlanta and Philadelphia respectively.

A silver lining for Braves fans: The team also lost Game 1 of the NLDS to the Brewers last year before they won the next three games.

Dansby Swanson says the team knows how to respond.

“Tomorrow’s another good opportunity for that. We’ve done it throughout this year. We obviously did it last year. Tomorrow’s a new day, and we’ll be ready for it.”

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Division Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves - Game One ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Orlando Arcia #11 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an inside pitch during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images) (Adam Hagy/Getty Images)

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