Max Fried delivered one of his career-best performances, nearly facing the minimum number of hitters, while the Braves’ offense came alive to dominate the Marlins. In the second game of the series against the Miami Marlins, Max Fried took on Trevor Rogers, the runner-up for the 2021 Rookie of the Year.
Although Fried has faced challenges this season, his standout performance against the Marlins on April 12th provided hope for fans and the team alike. In that game, he allowed only four singles, one earned run, one walk, and struck out four batters in 6.1 innings. Therefore, another strong start from Fried was eagerly anticipated, especially after his impressive display against the same opponent earlier in the month.
Fried’s second outing against the Marlins proved even more impressive. He didn’t allow his first base runner until Emmanuel Rivera singled in the top of the third inning, promptly erased by a double play from Otto Lopez.
It wasn’t until the top of the seventh inning that Fried surrendered another hit, a single by Luis Arraez, followed by an error by Austin Riley that allowed Bryan De La Cruz to reach base. However, Fried swiftly neutralized the threat with yet another double play, this time with Josh Bell as the victim.
Despite giving up his second hit of the night in the seventh inning, Fried returned for the eighth, completing the inning with just twelve pitches and striking out Rivera for his sixth strikeout of the night.
To the excitement of many, Fried returned for the ninth inning aiming for a complete game, which he achieved successfully. Although he allowed another single to Arraez, it was the only base runner he permitted all night.
Fried not only secured a complete game shutout but did so with an impressively low pitch count of just ninety-two, earning him a “Maddux” (a complete game in under one hundred pitches), marking his third Maddux of his career.
His final line for the night was 9.0 innings pitched, allowing three hits (all singles), zero walks, and recording six strikeouts.
On the offensive side, Ronald Acuña Jr. kickstarted the game with a double, although the Braves were unable to capitalize further in the first inning. However, they managed to score two runs in the bottom of the second inning, with Marcell Ozuna walking, Adam Duvall reaching on a fielding error, and Michael Harris hitting a double followed by a sacrifice fly by David Fletcher.
➕2️⃣ in the 2nd!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/yRyOnAT1BD
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 23, 2024
Fletcher notched an RBI for the second consecutive game, serving as Luis Guillorme’s platoon partner while Ozzie Albies remains sidelined. Once Albies returns to full health, it will be intriguing to observe the roster adjustments.
The offense remained subdued until the fourth inning, when d’Arnaud extended his impressive streak with a ground-rule double. However, once again, the runner on second was left stranded.
In the sixth inning, the Braves’ offense regained momentum. Riley singled and advanced to third on Marcell Ozuna’s single. With runners on the corners, d’Arnaud delivered once more with a sacrifice fly, bringing Riley home. Adding to the excitement, Adam Duvall smashed a home run at 104.5 MPH off the bat, clearing the left field wall to extend the lead to 5-0. Harris and Fletcher attempted to sustain the scoring with consecutive singles, but the inning concluded without further runs.
Duvall the way outta here 🔥#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/ZtpRkv1ZSm
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 24, 2024
The final score ended at 5-0, yet the Braves had a chance for more runs when they loaded the bases in the eighth inning. Although they failed to capitalize on these scoring opportunities, it didn’t matter much thanks to Max Fried’s outstanding performance.
Not only did Fried pitch a complete game shutout, but he also provided much-needed relief for the bullpen, which has been performing exceptionally well of late. Adding to the positives, the game concluded in under two hours, making it a quick and efficient contest.
Max Fried. 92 pitches.
The third Maddux of his career! pic.twitter.com/sM6djaQ7Ax
— MLB (@MLB) April 24, 2024
