The first inning is becoming a problem for the Braves
To quote Michael Scott: "Well well, well... how the turn tables..."
What was the Braves' biggest strength a season ago, has arguably turned into their greatest weakness this season.
Last year, the Braves nearly set the MLB record for first-inning runs, with 146 of them. That was second to only the 2000 Cardinals' who had 147 that season.
In 2024 through 32 games, the Braves have a -7 first-inning run differential, being outscored by opponents 21-14 in the first inning.
Max Fried specifically has had bad starts to games this year as well. His 16.20 ERA in the first inning this season is the highest amongst qualifying starting pitchers this season and that ERA rose in his start on Sunday, as he gave up a two-run first-inning home run to reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani.
Shohei takes Max Fried deep! 2-0 Dodgers in the first pic.twitter.com/ZKzConO6gN
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 5, 2024
Fried went on to pitch seven innings in the contest, only allowing four hits but four earned runs in the loss. He still looked good, don't get it twisted.
But there is something about that first inning this year that just isn't working in the Braves' favor. Scoring that many runs in the opening frame last year was in large part luck for the Braves. The luck has run sour though in 2024 and hopefully, the Braves can get back to jumping on teams early here soon.