Braves' Fatal Flaw Exposed in Predictable Series Loss

Jul 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) walks towards the dugout after breaking his bat on pop fly against the Athletics in the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Jul 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) walks towards the dugout after breaking his bat on pop fly against the Athletics in the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

One could point to a myriad of factors when talking about why the Atlanta Braves' 2025 season has gone sideways so drastically. The Braves are losing a series to the Orioles and Athletics, the bottom feeders of the American League. It doesn't grow more dire or frustrating than this as we thankfully near the All-Star break. This will give a tired fan base a much-needed break from watching what is an awful team. This was driven home yet again on Thursday night with Atlanta's extra innings loss to the Athletics. Twice, Atlanta had runners on second in extra frames, and both times the first batter failed to move the runner up.

It is a simple and boring piece of the game that has been lost and is a big factor in why this team rarely wins. The Braves are an awful situational hitting team, all looking to take the big swing or create a moment rather than understanding the fundamentals required to win. In both frames, all the Braves needed was a fly ball or a grounder to the right side to get the runner over. A simple task that this lineup has zero chance of executing consistently. That is this team's fatal flaw and why the offense explodes one night, only to be shut out by a mediocre pitcher the next.

The Braves Lack of Situational Hitting Continues to Haunt Atlanta

The game needs to embrace a new generation of fans and leave the "unwritten rules" far in the past. However, what this doesn't cover is understanding the basics of hitting and winning baseball is not a part of this. For too long, Atlanta's lineup has coasted on being able to hit clutch homers and have its best players deliver. This has led to a devolving ability to do the basics and give the team a chance to win even when the ball isn't flying out of the park.

Even with the pitching injuries and lack of bullpen depth, if this lineup were living up to its potential, the Braves are a wildcard contender. Being unable to move runners up or hit a fly ball in a key spot further exposes what is wrong with this team. It is a group that simply cannot hit with any level of consistency and has left behind what used to be a defining trait for Atlanta teams.

Rarely has there been a more glaring example of this than Thursday night's loss to the Athletics. Twice, the league's rules gifted you with a runner on second and zero outs. Neither runner was ever close to scoring, and the Braves could only watch as their season continued to find new lows. Until the team's approach changes, it is going to be more of the same for a roster and front office that has fumbled away its 2025 opportunity.

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