The forecast for Atlanta's series against the White Sox was never promising. Monday's forecast was the best of the three days. Unfortunately, game one of the Braves and White Sox has been delayed due to inclement weather.
Rain is in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday but Wednesday they are expecting snow in the area. So, they wanted to at least try and get one game in as the final two games may be in jeopardy.
Luckily, the rain held off through the first two hours of the game and got us to the top of the eighth inning before the game was delayed. Atlanta has runners on first and third with two outs.
We are currently in a rain delay and will provide more information as we receive it. pic.twitter.com/FlJWBsTni2
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 1, 2024
Every Brave in the lineup has at least one hit as Atlanta currently leads Chicago 6-0. Since the game is through five innings, it is official and if play doesn't resume, the Braves will win their third game of the year.
Charlie Morton looked very good and was able to complete 5.2 innings after looking a little shakey early on. The cold probably had a lot to do with that and he settled in nicely. He allowed three hits, walked two batters, and struck out six on 91 pitches.
Let's do a quick review of this weekend's action just in case you missed any of it.
Atlanta Braves takes first series of season from Phillies
It was an exciting weekend of baseball as the Braves came out swinging to thrash the Phillies. Atlanta had 39 hits and scored 25 runs in their series against Philadelphia. 21 of those runs and 32 of the hits came in the first two games of the series.
Spencer Strider looked great against the Phillies despite giving up a two-run homer. He still struck out eight batters and helped keep the team in the game. He was followed by Max Fried who had the shortest outing of his career at 0.2 innings.
A missed third strike call right down the middle doomed Fried. Had the pitch correctly been called a strike, Max would have escaped the inning with no damage and carried a 2-0 lead into the second. That didn't happen but the Braves offense picked him up and they ended up routing the Phillies by a 12-4 final.
The Braves dropped their series finale on Sunday by a 5-4 final but Chris Sale looked excellent for Atlanta in his season debut. He lasted 5.1 innings with two earned runs on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. He gave up a homer to Schwarber on the second pitch of the game but settled in quick after that. Atlanta fought back and made the game close but just couldn't get it done.
The team looks really good so far and it looks like it will be another exciting season for fans. If the game in Chicago resumes, we will update you with the new start time.
UPDATE: After a 45 minute rain delay, play has resumed between the Braves and White Sox.
Play has resumed at Guaranteed Rate Field.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 1, 2024
ANOTHER UPDATE: The Braves and White Sox have been delayed again before the start of the ninth inning. Heavy rain began falling on the field as players were preparing for the inning. The tarp is now back on the field. Austin Riley promptly hit a 3-run home run as the game resumed for the first time.
There is a chance they call the game with such a large lead and only one inning remaining. We will update you as we are able.
POST-RAIN DELAY RILEY!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/oEzhLKyvTW
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 1, 2024
FINAL UPDATE: The game has been called after 8 innings and the Braves have won their third game of the season. Atlanta slugged their way to a 9-0 finish on a dreary day in Chicago. Game two is set for tomorrow evening at 7:40 PM EST but the weather isn't expected to be much better. If the game does take place, Reynaldo Lopez will take the mound for Atlanta.