The Atlanta Braves opened up a four-game set in Cincinnati with a loss to the Reds 5-3 on Thursday night at Great American Ball Park, marking the second straight loss for the Braves.
Jesse Chavez was called up from Triple A Gwinnett to be the starting pitcher in a bullpen game for Atlanta; he was charged with the loss after surrendering two runs and two hits, walking one, and striking out three over just two and a third innings of work.
Things looked hopeful for the Braves as they nabbed an early lead on a solo home run by Freddie Freeman in the top of the first inning.
Ozzie Albies also contributed a solo shot in the eighth. However, the efforts were not enough to overcome Cincinnati, which was led offensively by Nick Castellanos with four RBIs including a two-run homer off of Luke Jackson in the bottom of the seventh. Tony Santillan was credited as the winning pitcher for Cincy; Brad Brach got the save.
The Braves will face the Reds again this evening at 7:10 pm. The game will be broadcast on WLAQ 1410 AM and 96.9 FM; air time is 5:55 pm.