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Bravesâ brawl is best thing to happen in Atlanta this season, and this stat shows why
TL;DR
The Atlanta Braves experienced a brawl during their game against the Los Angeles Angels, which has been deemed the best moment of their season so far. This incident occurred during a 7-2 victory and involved players Reynaldo Lopez and Jorge Solar exchanging punches.
Key points
- Braves had six wins in their first 11 games
- Brawl occurred during a 7-2 victory over the Angels
- Reynaldo Lopez and Jorge Solar exchanged punches
- Solar received a four-game suspension for his role
Atlanta BravesLos Angeles AngelsReynaldo LopezJorge Solar
Bravesâ brawl is best thing to happen in Atlanta this season, and this stat shows why originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A non-factor in the NL East last season, the Atlanta Braves entered their April 8 encounter with the Los Angeles Angels with six wins in their opening 11 regular-season outings. The Braves had dropped three straight.
They were not competing as a unit. At least not like they have been since the fifth inning of the 7-2 victory at Angel Stadium.
Leading 3-2, Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez delivered a high-and-tight wild pitch to Jorge Solar, who took offense. The Angels slugger stared down Lopez, who held out his arms. Both players exchanged punches as Lopez held a ball in his right hand and landed a punch on Solar's batting helmet.
Solar later received a reduced four-game suspension for his role in the melee.
Entering Monday's game at the host Washington Nationals, the Braves captured nine of their next 11 outings.
Playing more as a unit, the Braves sprinted out to a five-game lead in the division.
Braves pitching backing recent hot streak
While the Solar affair may have sparked the recent win streak, the Braves can trace the starting rotation's long-term potential success to last October. That's when the New York Mets released pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, who was quickly hired by the Braves.
Q&A
What led to the Braves' brawl against the Angels?
The brawl was sparked by a high-and-tight pitch from Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez to Angels slugger Jorge Solar, who took offense and confronted Lopez.
What was the outcome of the brawl for Jorge Solar?
Jorge Solar received a reduced four-game suspension for his involvement in the brawl.
How has the Braves' performance changed since the brawl?
The Braves had been struggling before the brawl but have shown improved team cohesion and performance following the incident.
