The Braves lost 4-2 to the Brewers on June 9, 2025, wasting a strong start from Chris Sale. Can Atlanta's offense, with Riley and Olson, find a spark?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a story Braves fans are getting tired of reading. A top-tier starting pitcher delivers a quality performance, only to watch the offense sputter and fail to provide support. That was the script once again on Monday night in Milwaukee, as Chris Sale pitched his heart out, but the bats remained cold in a 4-2 series-opening loss to the Brewers.
The Braves have now scored only six runs in their last four games.
Chris Sale was every bit the ace the Braves traded for, going six strong innings while allowing just two earned runs and striking out eight. But on a night when your offense can only muster two runs, it's never going to be enough. The only real signs of life came from a solo shot by Austin Riley and an RBI single from Matt Olson. Marcell Ozuna continued his solid season with a 2-for-4 night, but individual efforts can't carry a silent lineup. The loss drops the Braves to a concerning 8-14, putting them 6.5 games back in the NL East.
The search for an offensive catalyst has led to some new looks in the lineup. Monday saw Drake Baldwin getting another start behind the plate and Nick Allen filling in at shortstop. While it's good to see the team trying to shake things up, these moves underscore the current instability. With no major trades on the horizon, the Braves are forced to look inward for answers, shuffling pieces and hoping someone gets hot. For now, the combination of Acuña, Baldwin, Riley, and Olson at the top wasn't enough to crack the Brewers' pitching.
While the major league club struggles, there are some encouraging signs down in the farm system. Pitchers Brett Sears and JR Ritchie are turning heads in Double-A. Sears, who started the season in Low-A, has been electric, posting a staggering 32.4% strikeout rate. Ritchie is also adjusting well to the higher level after dominating in High-A. It's a reminder that the future is bright, even if the present is frustrating. This talent pipeline is crucial, especially with the big league club staying quiet on the trade front and dealing with injuries like the one that just sidelined fellow prospect Drue Hackenberg.
Another game, another frustrating loss defined by a lack of run support. While the promise of arms like Sears and Ritchie offers hope for the future, the 2025 Braves need answers in the here and now. The pitching has been good enough to win, but you can't win if you can't score. The team needs to find a way to break out of this offensive funk, and fast, before this season gets away from them. All eyes will be on the bats in game two.
