max fried Falters Again, Falling Short in Crucial Start for Braves
In a pivotal game for the Atlanta Braves, ace pitcher Max Fried struggled to find his rhythm, leading to a disappointing outing that could have significant implications for the team’s playoff aspirations. The left-hander, known for his consistent dominance, was uncharacteristically off his game, allowing a string of early hits and runs that put the Braves in a steep deficit.
Facing a high-stakes matchup against a playoff contender, Fried’s command was erratic, leading to multiple walks and leaving him vulnerable to big hits. By the time he exited the game, the Braves were trailing significantly, a hole the offense couldn’t climb out of despite their best efforts.
“It’s tough,” Fried admitted post-game. “I take a lot of pride in being the guy this team can count on in big moments, and tonight I just didn’t have my best stuff.”
This marks the second consecutive start where Fried has struggled, raising concerns about his form as the team heads into the final stretch of the season. Manager Brian Snitker expressed confidence in his ace, saying, “Max is a competitor. We’ve seen what he can do time and again. He’ll bounce back.”
The Braves’ offense showed flashes of life, with key contributions from Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit. The loss places added pressure on Atlanta’s remaining games as they battle for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
For Fried, the focus now shifts to regrouping and returning to the form that has made him a cornerstone of the Braves’ rotation. With the postseason looming, the team will need their star pitcher at his best to make a deep October run.
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