ATLANTA – Grant Holmes had the kind of performance on the mound that seemed destined for a memorable outcome. Reaching double-digit strikeouts for the first time in his career with 10 by the fifth inning alone, the Atlanta right-hander was in prime form against the Colorado Rockies.
Holmes described the achievement as a “special moment.” However, the budding excitement was dampened by the Braves’ eventual 10-1 defeat to Colorado, wasting Holmes’ career-high 15 strikeouts and five hitless innings.
Starting the game without allowing a hit or a walk, Holmes found himself trailing 1-0 after his own fielding and throwing errors mishandled a grounder by Ryan Ritter in the third inning. When the Braves managed to tie the game 1-1 in the sixth, it was brief solace; Ryan McMahon’s powerful homer in the seventh reversed their fortune. Holmes, now holding a 3-6 record, exited in the 7th inning after allowing three runs, two of which were earned.
“It’s frustrating to waste such a stellar performance,” admitted Braves first baseman Matt Olson. Holmes’ impressive strikeout feat came immediately after Spencer Strider recorded 13 strikeouts the previous day in a victorious 4-1 effort against the Rockies.
Braves manager Brian Snitker was taken aback by the way Holmes started so strongly, sharing that the team anticipated much more from their offense too. “With the way we’ve been hitting, scoring 16 runs collectively in earlier games, I expected more,” Snitker explained. “This team has been poised for a breakthrough, but consistency eludes us.”
Subsequent to Holmes’ removal, relievers Enyel De Los Santos and José Ruiz gave away seven more runs, sealing the team’s fate. Yet, Holmes’ standout start instills faith in the Braves’ pitching lineup, which also features notable arms like Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, and Bryce Elder.
“I trust in the talent we have,” Holmes underscored, emphasizing that maintaining form could bode well for the future.
Though the Braves managed to secure series wins against both Milwaukee and Colorado, the failure to sweep the Rockies diminished the momentum they sought to carry into their upcoming matchup with the NL East leaders, the New York Mets, starting Tuesday night.
Adjustments were made to the Braves’ pitching rotation, with Chris Sale being rescheduled from Sunday’s game to pitch after Schwellenbach during their stint against the Mets; Strider is penciled in for the series finale.
After being swept by Tampa Bay, the Mets are eager to regain their footing as they confront the Braves. Despite Atlanta’s struggles, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza maintained respect for their rivals. “The Braves are formidable,” declared Mendoza, following their 9-0 rout by the Rays.
With a four-game series in New York looming, Olson noted the opportunity for the Braves to reclaim some standings space. “Facing the Mets will be vital to our climb,” he added.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal series, it remains to be seen which side will capitalize on the opportunity to shift their trajectories.