In a game that didn't exactly light up the scoreboard, the Braves showcased some promising pitching performances that are worth a closer look. Jose Suarez took the mound as the starter and delivered an outing that should raise some eyebrows.
Over 4-plus scoreless innings, Suarez struck out three, walked two, and managed 10 swings and misses on 61 pitches. He did allow four hard-hit balls, but with two of those being grounders, he kept things under control.
It was a solid display from Suarez, showing he can handle pressure situations.
When Suarez exited after allowing a leadoff single in the fifth, Joel Payamps stepped in and held the line. Despite a bunt single and a soft flyout, Payamps showed his mettle by striking out Marsh and Bohm to close the inning without any damage.
The spotlight, however, shone brightly on JR Ritchie. Entering the game in the sixth, Ritchie had a shaky start by hitting Adolis Garcia but quickly found his rhythm.
He induced a soft flyout and struck out two to end the inning. Ritchie carried his momentum forward, striking out the first two batters in the next inning and getting Trea Turner to pop out.
By the end of his 4.0 no-hit innings, Ritchie had racked up six strikeouts and allowed only one baserunner via hit-by-pitch, needing just 52 pitches to showcase his impressive pitch mix. For a top prospect eyeing an Opening Day roster spot, Ritchie's performance was nothing short of stellar.
Offensively, the Braves' lineup struggled to find its footing. Despite a leadoff triple in the first inning, they couldn't capitalize and were kept off the scoreboard by Philly's pitching staff.
It wasn't until the ninth inning that Tyler Tolve broke the drought with a solo homer. Brett Wisely and Luke Williams each contributed with two hits, but outside of Tolve's homer, those were the only hits the Braves could muster.
Luis Guanipa made a late appearance in the ninth but ended his day with a strikeout.
While the bats were mostly silent, the pitching performances, especially from Ritchie, provided plenty of excitement and hope for the Braves' future.