The Braves slugged their way past the Phillies in their home opener Friday, winning 8-1 behind home runs from Ronald Acuna, Ehire Adrianza and Freddie Freeman. It was the first game at Truist Park open to fans since Oct. 10, 2019. The announced attendance was 14,342.
Here are five takeaways from Friday:
1. The Braves’ offense woke up on a hit from … starter Charlie Morton. Just weeks after proclaiming his disdain for pitchers hitting, Morton singled off Phillies starter Zack Wheeler to open the fifth inning. Acuna followed with a monstrous homer to center, one that he took his time admiring.
Acuna’s homer put the Braves ahead, 2-1. Ozzie Albies followed with a much-needed double. He scored on Travis d’Arnaud’s single. And suddenly the offense, which endured four innings of frustration, found its groove.
That wasn’t all for Acuna, either. He went 4-for-5 on the night, continuing his hot start. He also made an excellent running catch that saved at least one run. It’s early, but if he stays healthy, this has the makings of a monstrous year for the 23-year-old.
“It just shows the complete player he is, the skill set he has and what he brings” manager Brian Snitker said. “He showed it all tonight, pretty much.”
2. The legend of Adrianza keeps growing. Adrianza, a 31-year-old utilityman who made the Braves with a sensational spring training, was away from the team for the past five games as he gained United States citizenship. In his first game back, he entered as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning and belted a three-run homer that essentially put the game out of reach. The opportunity was afforded by Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, who committed consecutive errors that led to two Braves baserunners.
Adrianza is already the leading candidate for feel-good story of the Braves’ season. He arrived in North Port, Florida, a relatively unknown non-roster invitee. He hit .400 with two homers and six doubles during the exhibition season, forcing his way onto the opening-day roster.
3. Wheeler was remarkable in his first start against the Braves last weekend. He wasn’t anywhere near as efficient Friday, despite overcoming his spotty command to hold the Braves scoreless until Acuna’s blast. The Braves had a baserunner in every inning against Wheeler, but they stranded two baserunners in the first and fourth innings. Acuna also doubled with one out in the third and wound up left at third base. Those misfortunes didn’t come back to bite them thanks to back-to-back three-run innings in the fifth and sixth.
4. The Braves signed Morton hoping he’d consistently deliver performances like Friday’s. Morton, making his Truist Park debut back with the organization that drafted him, was in command most of the night, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. And of course, he surprisingly provided an offensive spark.
“As soon as I got on the field from the tunnel, I looked around and it felt like there were a lot more people than the expected number,” Morton said. “It sounded like it, too. It was really nice to know people were having a good time and we were able to come out and play such a good game as a team. That was really rewarding. I had a lot of fun tonight.”
5. The Braves’ blue-and-white throwback uniforms draw near unanimous praise each time they’re worn. The Braves are using them this weekend in memory of Hank Aaron, the baseball and civil rights icon who died in January. Aaron donned the uniform during much of his Hall of Fame career.
Stat of the game:
5 (The Braves have won five consecutive home openers)
Quotable
“It sure seemed like there were a lot more people than I was told were going to be there. The energy is back. It’s really cool to see we’re back playing in front of fans and how excited you could tell all the fans were. It was a great atmosphere there. It’s something we really did miss.” - Brian Snitker on having fans back
Welcome back, Bryce
Bryce Harper was booed loudly during the Phillies’ introductions. He held his arms up, waved, and embraced the crowd. Perhaps that moment, more than any other, provided a sense of normalcy. Harper went 0-for-2 with two walks, getting booed each time he stepped up to the plate.
The chop
After not disclosing their position on the controversial tomahawk chop entering the season, the Braves encouraged their fans to do the chop during several pivotal points in the game, specifically in the fifth and sixth innings when the Braves scored six runs. The team showed the digital tomahawk chop on the video boards in the stadium and played the drum beat to set it up.
Remembering those we lost
Before the game, the Braves acknowledged the four important individuals who died since the team last played a home game in front of fans. They showed a video honoring the memories of Bill Bartholomay, Phil Niekro, Don Sutton and Hank Aaron.
Internet sensation
Snitker was caught on camera having some fun with his grandkids, who were ecstatic to be back at the ballpark. The youngsters were sitting behind the dugout. The video of Snitker – and the pure joy on his face – quickly made waves on social media.
Up next
Ian Anderson makes his second start of the season – and second against the Phillies – on Saturday. The Phillies will start Zach Eflin, who held the Braves to one run across seven innings in his previous outing.
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