Stealing a run
The Braves had been showing off their speed all series and, with the game at an offensive standstill, they used that speed to push the play and ultimately scratch out a run.
After drawing a two-out walk in the top of the fifth, Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte stole second base to put him into scoring position for second baseman Ozzie Albies.
More from Rox Pile
- A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
- Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
- Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
- Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
- Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?
Albies roped a ground-rule double to left-center field that allowed Albies to score the first run of the game because he was standing on second. Had Albies still been at first, he would have been required to stop at third when Albies’ double hopped over the fence.
Braves go long
For the second outing in a row, Freeland pitched a strong game, only to begin unravelling in the sixth inning.
With the Braves up 1-0, Markakis and Swanson hit back-to-back home runs to stretch the lead.
One inning later, Albies went deep off left-hander Chris Rusin to give Atlanta a 4-0 lead.
Despite the home runs, Freeland put together a quality start. He gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings.
Freeland struck out five and walked two in his second loss of the season.
Overall, Black seemed impressed with the young left-hander’s performance, noting that there are times when three runs over six innings will win a game, especially at Coors Field.
"“I’m not concerned about Kyle losing confidence or anything of that nature,” Black said after the game."
Next: CarGo discusses how special this Opening Day at Coors Field was for him
Sunday marked the first time the Braves had shut out Colorado at Coors Field since April 18, 1997, when Tom Glavine tossed complete game in a 14-0 rout.