Braves' Three-Game Losing Streak
Milwaukee Brewers defeat Atlanta Braves 9-4, as Bryce Elder's struggles continue on the mound.
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The Milwaukee Brewers handed the Atlanta Braves a 9-4 loss on Sunday, capping a three-game series finale that exposed a growing problem in Atlanta's rotation. Bryce Elder allowed 12 hits and eight runs in six innings, setting a career high in hits allowed, according to WMBF News.
Milwaukee's offense exploded for eight runs in just the second inning. William Contreras and Sal Frelick each collected four hits. Contreras added a 3-run home run that blew the game wide open. The Brewers salvaged the only win of the three-game set with the lopsided victory, per Fox Carolina.
Eight-Run Second Inning Sinks Elder Early
The game was essentially over before it started. Milwaukee batters put together a relentless second inning, with Elder surrendering hits to nine of the first ten batters he faced, according to Atlanta News First. The eight runs scored in that single frame marked the most runs the Braves had allowed in one inning since 2021, per ESPN.
Elder's ERA ballooned to 6.48 after the game. Despite the damage, he stayed on the mound through six innings. Manager Brian Snitker explained the reasoning plainly. "He saved us," Snitker said. "That could have been a really long day for the bullpen if he doesn't go six innings," per WALB.
Robert Gasser Earns First Win in Nearly a Year
While Elder struggled, Milwaukee's Robert Gasser was sharp and efficient. The left-hander threw just 80 pitches over six innings. It was his first win since May 15, 2024 and the best outing of his career, according to WTOC.
Gasser's "command-and-control" approach stood in stark contrast to Elder's performance. His ability to work quickly and keep the Braves' offense off-balance proved key. Atlanta managed just five combined hits against the Brewers' pitching staff, per Live 5 News.
Elder's Struggles Raise Rotation Depth Concerns
Sunday's loss was not a one-off. Elder was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett earlier this season only because of injuries to other pitchers. His 12 hits allowed against Milwaukee were a career high. Critics note his lack of swing-and-miss pitches is becoming a serious problem for a team with World Series hopes, according to WDAM.
Elder addressed the rough outing after the game. "It was just one of those things where you're trying to find an out and you can't," he said. "They were putting good swings on balls, and even the ones they didn't, they were finding holes," per WIS TV.
Brewers Avoid Sweep, Stay Alive in NL Central Race
The win kept Milwaukee's hopes alive in the NL Central. Atlanta had taken the first two games of the series. By winning the finale 9-4, the Brewers stopped a potential sweep and maintained their position over the Chicago Cubs in the division standings, per Fox 10 TV.
The Braves now carry a three-game losing streak into their next series. The rotation question looms large. Atlanta may need to make a move soon, whether that means giving Elder more time to fix his sinker or turning to prospects like AJ Smith-Shawver or Hurston Waldrep waiting in the minors, according to WMBF News.
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