ATLANTA — One day after a convincing 16-4 victory against the Washington Nationals, the Braves managed only three hits in a 3-1 loss to their National League East rival.
The defeat sealed the Braves’ first series loss of the season and spoiled a strong pitching performance that featured an encouraging start from left-hander Max Fried and contributions from the Braves’ bullpen. Third baseman Austin Riley led the Braves’ lineup with two hits and a home run.
Fried, who gave up five runs in an opening-day loss to the Reds, found his rhythm Wednesday afternoon, pitching 5 1/3 innings and striking out four with two earned runs.