SportsPreview
Notebook: Breaking down the past week of Wisconsinās spring ball practices
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Atlanta Braves Receiving Surprise Performance from Overlooked Starter
TL;DR
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3, with Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley hitting home runs. Bryce Elder excelled on the mound, pitching 5.2 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.
Atlanta Braves Receiving Surprise Performance from Overlooked Starter
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins by a final score of 6-3 on Wednesday night. The Braves' lineup found success, as they recorded 11 hits and six runs. Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson and Austin Riley all hit home runs in the win. Bryce Elder's performance on the mound should not be overlooked, though.
The right-handed hurler went 5.2 innings and allowed only four hits and no runs. He recorded seven strikeouts as well.
Starting pitching was a serious question for the Braves heading into the season. Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep were among the starters battling injuries. Elder, meanwhile, has struggled in recent years.
He's been tremendous to begin the 2026 campaign, though. Through four starts, Elder now holds a 0.77 ERA. That means he has only given up two total earned runs in 23.1 innings of work.
Elder has recorded 23 strikeouts compared to seven walks as well. The right-handed hurler is simply finding success at an impressive rate, and it has been of the utmost importance for the Braves.
Atlanta is now 12-7 this season. They are upsetting expectations without question. The preseason injuries led many to question if Atlanta would be able to truly bounce back from their forgettable 2025 performance. It is obviously still early, but the Braves look like a potential contender at the moment.
They will only improve once their injured players begin returning.
Braves Looking to Continue Playing Well
Atlanta clinched a series victory on Wednesday. The Marlins won the first game on Monday 10-4 before the Braves rebounded with a 6-5 win on Tuesday.
Atlanta has a big series coming up next, however. The Braves are set to travel to Philadelphia to play their divisional rival, the Phillies, in a three-game series.
Philadelphia has been a consistent contender in recent years. The Phillies and New York Mets were the favorites in the National League East heading into the 2026 campaign. The Braves lead the NL East at the moment, and they can make a statement by going into Philadelphia and winning the series.
The Braves are expected to have Martin Perez start the first game in Philadelphia. He has a 3.14 ERA this season. Meanwhile, the Phillies will send Taijuan Walker to the mound. Walker holds a 7.36 ERA in 2026.
First pitch for the Braves and Phillies first game of the series is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST.
Q&A
What was Bryce Elder's performance in the game against the Miami Marlins?
Bryce Elder pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only four hits and no runs, while recording seven strikeouts.
Who hit home runs for the Atlanta Braves in their win over the Marlins?
Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley each hit home runs in the Braves' victory.
What challenges did the Braves face with their starting pitching this season?
The Braves faced serious questions about their starting pitching due to injuries affecting Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and Hurston Waldrep.
