Braves Score Early To Even The Series Against The Reds

Ozzie Albies hit the first pitch of the game from Tanner Roark for his third home run to start the game setting the tone for a 3-1 Atlanta Braves win.

"The first pitch of the game was poorly located," Roark said.  "I knew he would swing first pitch.  It was poor execution.  I didn't want one pitch in the game to dictate how the game goes."

Mike Soroka and the Braves bullpen limited the Reds to one run on five hits.

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"It is hard to admit this sometimes when you compete but you have to give credit to the pitcher, who pitched a heck of a game," Bell said.  "I still like the direction we're going.  You don't give in to somebody pitching a good game but there is time to give them credit.  He deserves some credit."

The Reds took it right back off Soroka in the bottom of the inning.  Joey Votto walked to start the game.  Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker hit singles to allow Votto to score.  Soroka went to work and struck out Yasiel Puig and Derek Dietrich then ended the inning by coaxing a ground out to second base by Tucker Barnhart.

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The Braves kept threatening Roark by placing two runners on base in the third and fourth inning and loading the bases in the fourth and got nothing to show for it.

They needed Puig to spring a leak in right field to take a slim lead.  Roark hit Freddie Freeman with a pitch to put the Braves' slugger on base.  Ronald Acuna Jr. forced Freeman at second and scored when Nick Markakis sinking line drive in front of Puig got past him for a two-base error that allowed Acuna to score.

The play cost Roark a decision but he went to Puig with encouragement.

"I will never be mad if someone dives to catch the ball," Roark said. "If a guy circles the bases inside the park, I don't care.  I will always praise the effort to do that.  You busted your ass trying to get there. It didn't work out but I love it."

Bell pointed out that Puig has made some plays by being aggressive and liked Roark's reaction to it.

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"Yassi made an aggressive attempt on the ball.  He's made some great plays by doing that this one didn't work out," Bell said.  "It doesn't surprise me that Tanner talked to Puig.  Tanner is a good teammate and a professional.  There is a lot of those things going on."


The Reds loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth against Soroka.  Atlanta manager Brian Snitker brought in veteran Josh Tomlin, who was signed to a minor league contract on March 21.  The former Cleveland Indians starter was with the Milwaukee Brewers this spring but was placed on waivers.  Tomlin made one pitch and got pinch hitter Scott Schebler to ground hard to Freeman at first base.Da

Luke Jackson and Dan WinkLer preserved the one-run lead until the Braves scored an insurance run in the ninth off Bob Stephenson, who was the winning pitcher Tuesday night.  Albies walked and scored on a double by Josh Donaldson with no outs.  Stephenson retired the Braves with no further damage.

A.J. Minter entered in the ninth inning looking for his third save of the season and second in his last two appearances.  He saved the April 20 win over Cleveland by striking out the side.  He struck out pinch hitter Curt Casali, leading off the ninth for Cincinnati.  Phil Ervin grounded out.  Pinch hitter Jose Peraza flied out to center to end the game.