Atlanta Braves Fall to Jon Lester and Cubs, 4-0

The Atlanta Braves suffered their first loss of the second half of the 2015 season on Saturday night, falling to the Chicago Cubs by a score of 4-0.

Jon Lester was nearly flawless in Saturday’s contest, as the Cubs southpaw threw seven consecutive innings of no hit, shutout ball before a leadoff single in the 8th inning by A.J. Pierzynski broke up Lester’s no hit bid. For the night, Lester pitched 7.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 7.

After Friday’s emotional victory over the Cubs after an 8th inning single by Eury Perez, The Atlanta Braves were unable to muster any offense against the Cubs. A.J. Pierzynski and Andrelton Simmons were the only Braves to record a hit against Cubs’ pitching tonight.

The only inning the Atlanta Braves seemingly could have broken through was in the 8th inning. Following a leadoff single by A.J. Pierzynski that broke up Lester’s no-hitter, Braves’ second baseman Jace Peterson struck out with 2 outs, leaving men on first and second.

More from ATL All Day

Starter Manny Banuelos was only able to pitch for 4.2 innings, allowing 2 runs to the Cubs while striking out 4. Banuelos is approaching an innings limit following Tommy John Surgery last season, which may mean an end to the rookie’s season. Newly signed Jason Frasor made his début with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, pitching 1.1 innings of shutout ball and striking out 2. Frasor also made history for the club, as he became the 51st different player to appear for the Atlanta Braves this season.

More from Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves’ bullpen has been solid as of late, and Saturday continued their recent success. Ryan Kelly, David Aardsma, and Jason Frasor combine for 4 innings of shutout ball. Recently acquired Ross Dettwiler allowed 2 runs in the 9th inning following an errant throw by Juan Uribe on a Kris Bryant ground out, which allowed Dexter Fowler to score. A 9th inning single by Anthony Rizzo put the nail in the coffin for the Braves, scoring Bryant from 3rd and making the score 4-0.

If the Atlanta Braves wish to stay competitive in the second half of the season, the offense cannot go cold as they did this evening. Though Freddie Freeman‘s absence continues to wear on the Atlanta Braves and their offense, the team must weather the storm and discover a way to manufacture runs. To the Atlanta Braves credit, they kept the score close for most of Saturday, and the bullpen’s stellar performance allowed the offense opportunities to get back into the contest.

The Atlanta Braves close their series with the Chicago Cubs tomorrow afternoon at Turner Field with Braves’ ace Shelby Miller toeing the rubber, with first pitch at 5:05 P.M.

Next: Atlanta Braves: Comparing Rebuild to the Cubs'

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Braves