Braves' Late Rally Falls Short in Doubleheader Loss to Giants

The Braves’ offense struggled to find its rhythm on Wednesday, ultimately coming up short against the San Francisco Giants. After managing only two runs over the first 16 innings against a Giants pitching staff ranked 22nd in ERA at 4.52, Atlanta faced a daunting 7-2 deficit as they entered the ninth inning, needing a comeback to avoid another series loss.

Despite the late surge, which saw the Braves score three runs with one out in the ninth, they couldn't complete the comeback. Mauricio Dubon hit a two-run homer, and a run scored on a wild pitch, bringing the tying run to the plate. However, Ozzie Albies grounded out and Austin Riley struck out, sealing the Braves' fate with a 7-5 defeat. This loss marked the completion of a doubleheader sweep, following a 7-2 loss earlier in the day.

Riley had a standout performance, recording his first three-hit game since Opening Day and breaking a 13-inning shutout streak with an RBI single in the sixth. Dominic Smith also contributed with a sacrifice fly. Unfortunately, the Braves couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, finishing 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine men on base.

Rookie pitcher JR Ritchie faced difficulties in his return to the starting rotation, surrendering five runs in the first two innings before regrouping to retire the last nine batters he faced. Carlos Carrasco, who was called up for the second game, pitched four innings, allowing two runs in the ninth that proved crucial to the outcome.

As the Braves aim to avoid a sweep in Thursday's series finale against a team with the second-worst record in the National League, they will need to overcome challenges both on the field and from the weather, with a rough forecast looming over the game. Atlanta will send Martin Perez (5-3, 2.90 ERA) to the mound against Landen Roupp (5-7, 4.24) for the Giants.