BRAVES FALL TO RAYS IN INTERLEAGUE SERIES OPENER

The Atlanta Braves were defeated by the Tampa Bay Rays 14-5 on Monday evening in the opener of a two-game interleague set at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

It was a tough night on the mound for Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz, who surrendered six earned runs and four hits, walked four and struck out three in just three and a third innings. He gave up three home runs, including a three-run shot to Hunter Renfroe that gave the Rays a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Foltynewicz was charged with the loss and learned after the game that he has been designated for assignment; his replacement will be Chad Sobotka on the Braves’ active roster.

Highlights for Atlanta included a solo home run from Dansby Swanson in the top of the second and a three run bomb by Matt Adams in the sixth.

Unfortunately, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Rays, who beat the Braves, again, by a final score of 14-5. Tampa Bay notched eight runs in the fourth en route to the victory.

The Braves will wrap up their series against the Rays at Tampa Bay tonight at 6:40 pm. The game will be broadcast on WLAQ 1410 AM and 96.9 FM. Air time is 5:25 pm from the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.

Atlanta’s home opener is scheduled for Wednesday night at Truist Park versus the Rays.