Smith-Shawver earns first win of his MLB career

ATLANTA — Ozzie Albies tallied three hits and AJ Smith-Shawver pitched into the sixth inning because the Braves claimed an 8-3 win over the Rockies on Thursday evening at Truist Park.

Albies’ bases-clearing double off Kyle Freeland highlighted a five-run second inning that offered some early consolation for Smith-Shawver. The 20-year-old hurler protected the lead as he allowed three runs whereas finishing 5 2/3 innings in simply his second profession begin. He turned the youngest Braves pitcher to earn a win since Steve Avery on Aug. 24, 1990.

Braves supervisor Brian Snitker altered his lineup, transferring Albies as much as the second spot for the primary time this yr. It appears secure to count on this association when Atlanta faces different left-handed starters. The switch-hitting Albies entered the day with a 1.121 OPS from the correct aspect. He improved that quantity as he tallied two singles and a double by the primary 4 innings. 

With Albies transferring to the second spot, Matt Olson dropped to fifth. Olson entered the day with only a .589 OPS in opposition to left-handed pitchers. But he tallied a single within the huge second inning, then added a 456-foot homer in opposition to right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson within the seventh. He has a team-high 19 homers.