The Atlanta Braves sent a franchise-record eight players to the 2023 All-Star game in a year that was full of amazing talent. Almost every Brave that made it onto the team played on Tuesday night with the exceptions being Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder since they just pitched during Atlanta's series against the Rays.
Things were fairly quiet for the Braves representatives offensively during the game as it was a low-scoring affair between the AL and NL sides. The National League ended an eleven-year losing streak against the American League with a 3-2 victory thanks to a clutch two-run homer from Rockies catcher, Elias Diaz.
Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a ball in the first inning off of Gerrit Cole that looked like it had a chance to go out or bounce off the wall for a double. However, Adolis Garcia leaped at the last minute and made a great catch to take a hit away from Acuna.
Sean Murphy made the first Atlanta highlight of the game as he threw out Randy Arozarena at second base. You'd think Arozarena would have thought otherwise of stealing on Murphy after he threw out two runners during the Braves' recent series in Tampa.
All-Stars Sean Murphy and Orlando Arcia suggest you not run.#AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/P1Adq1wdLd
— AtBraves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Braves) July 12, 2023
This was a feat that hadn't been done in an All-Star game since 2011 when Alex Avila threw out Lance Berkman for a double play, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com. Murphy is just continuing to show why he is the best catcher in baseball at the moment.
"Sean Murphy is the first catcher with a CS in the All-Star Game since Alex Avila threw out Lance Berkman in 2011 on a strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out double play"Sarah Langs via Twitter
Adolis Garcia also robbed Sean Murphy of a hit in the fourth inning as he made a nice catch while battling the sun in his eyes. Wish Sean had gotten the opportunity to show off how great he is offensively but that's baseball for ya.
Like I said, it wasn't a big offensive day for the Braves as just one of their All-Stars got a hit during the game. That player was Austin Riley who was 1-2 on the day.
Acuna Jr. was 0-2 with a strikeout, Olson was 0-1 with a strikeout, Albies was 0-2 with a strikeout, Murphy 0-2 with a strikeout, and Arcia was 0-2 with a strikeout. Not the best showing but we all know how good those guys are offensively so no worries there.
The Braves however showed off how impressive they are on the defensive side of the ball and I'm sure Ron Washington was grinning ear to ear when he saw these plays.