Braves avoid sweep in Little League Classic finale

A win is a win, but when you’re the Atlanta Braves looking to break out of a scoring slump, you can’t help but look forward to a bit more.

Regardless, in a game filled with questionable calls and moments of minimum effort, the Braves managed to take a 4-2 win against the Milwaukee Brewers to close out their trip to Wisconsin.

The Braves put themselves on the board first with an RBI double from Mauricio Dubón, bringing Ozzie Albies home in the top of the second inning.

The Brewers answered back in the third with a run of their own off an RBI single, tying the contest at 1-1.

After adding another run in the fourth, it was a costly fielding error in the top of the sixth that helped the Braves pull away with a 3-1 lead. And that run ended up being much needed, because the Brewers went on to score in the bottom of the eighth, cutting into Atlanta’s lead just when it looked like the Braves might be all out of runs for the night.

But a homer from the leadoff man, Michael Harris II, sparked the Braves’ offense once again in the top of the ninth, giving Atlanta one final pull-away from its opponent and ending the night on a positive note. It was also his career-best 21st home run.

Tyler Mahle had a decent outing in his fourth appearance with Atlanta, finishing with 5.0 innings pitched, six hits allowed, one earned run, two walks and four strikeouts. His ERA dropped to 4.41.

Mahle has shown that he can be a considerably solid starter, but more importantly, a consistent one. Adding that to what the team has in Chris Sale, at least there’s a bright side to the Braves’ constant rotation scrutiny. While there are still plenty of questions surrounding the rotation, Mahle’s recent outings have given Atlanta something it needs: another starter it can rely on to give the team a chance.

Will it be enough to take on the Dodgers at Truist Park?

First, a much-needed break before the return home. But until then, let’s enjoy the win.