Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals - News - April 07, 2021 | FOX Sports

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・April 7, 2021 April 07 Apr 07

Braves rebound from 3 run deficit

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Nationals Park, Washington, DC

Loses second game of doubleheaderRainey (0-1) allowed two hits -- including the game-winning two-run homer -- and a walk across one inning to take the loss in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against At...

ImpactIt was a rough 2021 debut for the right-hander, as Rainey needed 28 pitches, the worst of which was a middle fastball that pinch hitter Pablo Sandoval drove over the fence. Rainey's average fastball velocity Wednesday was 95 mph -- a decrease from 97.7 mph in 2019 and 96.6 last season. He consistently touched 100 mph with his heater in the 2019 postseason, and as his primary pitch, it must improve considerably if he's to keep a high-leverage role in Washington's bullpen.

APRIL 8, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Walks four times in doubleheaderSoto went 1-for-3 with four walks and three runs scored in Wednesday's doubleheader against Atlanta.

ImpactThe left fielder punished the Braves for issuing him free passes in the doubleheader opener, coming around to score after each of his three walks in that contest. Soto's disciplined approach at the plate combined with his lethal bat will result in the young lefty taking a lot of walks this season. Washington's lineup lacks legitimate star power behind Soto, but Starlin Castro and Ryan Zimmerman, among others, are fully capable of driving in Soto frequently this season. Hitting after Victor Robles and Trea Turner will also give the 22-year-old plenty of at-bats with runners on base.

APRIL 8, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Gets first hits of seasonAlbies went 2-for-6 with an RBI and a walk in Wednesday's doubleheader sweep of the Nationals.

ImpactThe second baseman snapped out of a miserable 0-for-16 stretch to start the season, producing a run-scoring groundout and two singles to left field. Albies has remained in the two-hole of Atlanta's lineup despite his struggles, which should give him plenty of opportunities to score and drive in runs once he and Freddie Freeman return to their typical offensive production. Albies' power should make itself heard sooner rather than later, considering that the switch hitter recorded 24 homers in each of the past two full seasons.

APRIL 8, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Braves sweep doubleheader with NationalsWASHINGTON - Atlanta pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval drove a two-run homer to the deepest part of the ballpark off a Washington reliever who too...

APRIL 8, 2021•THESTAR.COM

Brilliant outing wastedStrasburg didn't factor into the decision in a 2-0 loss to Atlanta during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader, giving up only one hit and two walks over six scoreless innin...

ImpactAfter an injury-marred spring that looked like it might not have given Strasburg enough time to get ready for the regular season, the right-hander was dominant in his 2021 debut with his changeup being particularly unhittable. He fired 48 of 85 pitches for strikes, but a lack of offensive support prevented him from coming away with a win. Strasburg will look for a better result in his next outing, set for Monday in St. Louis.

APRIL 8, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Another clutch homerSandoval hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run in a 2-0 win over the Nationals during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

ImpactHe took Tanner Rainey deep in the top of the seventh inning to account for the only offense in the game. Amazingly, Sandoval already has two pinch-hit homers in 2021 after going yard only once in 34 games last year, but barring a rash of injuries the 34-year-old seems very unlikely to get consistent playing time for Atlanta.

APRIL 8, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Notches first saveNewcomb struck out all three batters he faced in the seventh inning to record his first save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Nationals during the second game of Wednesday's dou...

ImpactWith Will Smith and A.J. Minter both having pitched in the opener and Chris Martin (finger) unavailable, the save chance fell to Newcomb and he more than rose to the occasion. It's only his second career save, and given the depth of the Atlanta bullpen as well as his own erratic track record, Newcomb seems unlikely to get another in 2021. If he continues to fan batters however -- all five of his outs in his first two appearances this season have been strikeouts -- Newcomb could work himself into a high-leverage role.

APRIL 8, 2021•ROTOWIRE