Man, did Grant Holmes ever show up for the Braves on Thursday night, nearly spinning history and leading Atlanta to a crucial 2-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. This wasn’t just another win; it was a statement from Holmes, who shut down the White Sox offense, allowing just one measly hit.
Holmes’ Shocking Turnaround Has Atlanta Buzzing
Holmes was on fire, taking his no-hitter deep into the seventh inning before Andrew Benintendi finally broke it up with a one-out single. That was it. That’s all the White Sox got off four Braves pitchers. Holmes battled through 6 1/3 innings, allowing only three walks to Colson Montgomery, Drew Romo, and Miguel Vargas, alongside that lone hit. He threw 94 pitches, and Braves manager Walt Weiss was apparently ready to let him keep going as long as the no-hitter was alive. How’s that for trust?
This wasn’t just a good outing; this was a complete 180 for Holmes. His last appearance was a nightmare, giving up 6 runs and 6 hits in just 3 2/3 innings during a 10-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. And get this, the last time he faced the White Sox back on June 9, he coughed up 3 runs, 4 hits, and 2 walks in 3 2/3 frames in a 6-5, 10-inning loss. Talk about a rebound! His ERA dropped to 3.64 for the season, bringing his record to 8-5 with 100 strikeouts over 123 2/3 innings. That’s the kind of performance that can change a whole team’s vibe.
Offense Steps Up as Bullpen Locks It Down
The Braves’ bullpen, Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee, and Raisel Iglesias, slammed the door shut, each throwing a hitless inning of relief to preserve the one-hit gem. On the offensive side, Atlanta got everything it needed from the middle of the lineup. Austin Riley delivered an RBI double in the third inning, scoring Mauricio Dubón, and then added to the lead in the seventh with a single that drove in Michael Harris II. Riley finished the night 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, and Dubón went 3-for-4, with all of Atlanta’s offense coming from the No. 6 through No. 8 spots. That’s production from everywhere!
This win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Braves, giving them only their second victory in the past seven games. It also pushed their record to 75-53 and extended their first-place lead in the NL East to five games over the Philadelphia Phillies. The White Sox dropped to 66-61, but still hold a 3.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
What a performance, right? Only one no-hitter has been thrown in all of MLB this season, and it was a combined effort by the Astros. The Braves haven’t had a solo no-hitter since Kent Mercker did it way back in 1994! Holmes came *that* close. This win isn’t just about the score; it’s about the confidence boost and momentum the Braves desperately needed. They have to keep this intensity going to maintain that lead in the standings.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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