Braves Pick Up Wild Card-Shaking Win over Royals

Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

September 27, 2024

Braves 3, Royals 0

Max Fried tossed 8 2/3 scoreless innings to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 3–0 win over the Kansas City Royals Friday night at Truist Park near Atlanta. The Braves picked up a pot of gold in the three-horse race for the two remaining NL Wild Card spots, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets both taking a step back after losing to the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers, respectively.

Braves – Royals Game Summary

The Braves needed one swing of the bat, with catcher Sean Murphy knocking a two-run shot to left field for the main difference. Fried’s possible last game at Truist Park almost ended perfectly, one out away from a complete-game shutout while fanning nine batters. Marcell Ozuna added the Braves’ last run by stealing third and drawing an error by Royals catcher Salvador Perez on the throw to third.

What Went Right for the Royals

Brady Singer Turns His Fortunes

After a struggling start at home against the San Francisco Giants, 28-year-old Brady Singer took the loss in an good effort against the Braves at Truist Park. Singer earned a quality start, throwing six innings, struck out five batters and only gave up four hits. A much improved effort compared to his last start. On September 21, Singer gave up seven hits, six earned, and the Royals lost 9-0 at Kauffman Stadium.

Michael Massey Shows Up

Royals second baseman Michael Massey turned in a good outing. In a tough game for most Royals hitters, he was the bright spot for the team. He posted a 2-for-4 day, doubling in the seventh and ninth inning to give him four total bases. Surprisingly, Max Fried struggles against same-handed hitters, and Massey made him pay, also breaking up Fried’s complete game.

Kansas City Breaks Long-Dreaded Playoff Drought

In 2015, the Royals lifted the Commissioner’s Trophy, a historic moment for the franchise. Since that moment, the Royals have not played in any playoff baseball. With the Minnesota Twins loss Friday, the Royals clinched a Wild Card spot, breaking a long-dreaded streak.

What Went Wrong for the Royals

No Runs, No Wins

It’s something fans yell at commentators when they mention it in a broadcast. “You can’t win if you don’t score!” The Royals fans were yelling at their offense to wake up. Michael Massey gave the Royals two of their three total hits. Bobby Witt Jr. added the last hit, and the Royals 4-9 hitters went 0-for-18. It was a tough night going against Max Fried.

Singer Can’t Find Luck

Yes, Brady Singer performed well Friday, but the bad run of luck continues. Since August 18, Singer has not earned a win in seven straight starts. His record has drastically changed from 9–8 to 9–13 in that span. During his last win on August 18, he spun zero earned runs.

Untimely Errors

The Royals rank 13th in fielding percentage in the 2024 MLB season. Friday, two errors — including one throwing error by Salvador Perez — gifted the Braves a run to secure the victory. This was not the best night for a top-half defensive team in a crucial game.

What Went Right for the Braves

Max Fried

That’s all the Braves needed Friday. Their long-tenured left-handed pitcher stepped on the rubber in an emotional night for him and the fans. In what could be his last game as an Atlanta Brave at Truist Park or in the regular season, his stuff left Royals hitters speechless. In 8 2/3 innings, Max Fried gave up a double to Michael Massey and was hooked by Brian Snitker. Leaving to a standing ovation, Max Fried looked around the stadium as he exited, giving many thoughts and reactions.

Finding Ways to Win

2024 for the Braves posts a very strong theme: win, even if it is ugly. Braves hitters once again stayed cold, only finding three hits. But with a gem by Fried, they found a way to win. Many games this season, the Braves haven’t overpowered their opponents in the batters box. Their starters as a group have the lowest ERA in the NL and will carry the Braves towards the end of the regular season and possibly the playoffs.

Sean Murphy Finds the Difference

The impact of Braves catchers this season have split between Sean Murphy and Travis D’Arnaud. Friday, Murphy created the boom off the bat and busting the game open. In the fourth inning, the soon-to-be 30-year-old carried it towards left field and into the away dugout to send the fans into a frenzy.

What Went Wrong for the Braves

Offense Needs to Improve for the Playoffs

It’s the theme. As a team, the cold streak continues. The Braves win the ugly games, the defensive games, the pitching gems this season. However, when the NL East bats face off against another playoff team, can they wake up? It’s been a dreaded season for Atlanta hitters in the batters box besides a very few names. Friday, the Braves collected four hits in nine innings.

Ozuna Goes Blank

Marcell Ozuna scored a run after swiping third and the overthrow from Salvador Perez. However, the Big Bear went hitless in this critical game for the Braves. Although he will not win the MVP this season, his name stays in the MVP ladder. The MVP-caliber player cannot afford to miss out in these tough moments in crunch time situations.

Quick Hits

With Friday’s losses for the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks, the Atlanta Braves leapt from out of the playoffs to the fifth seed. The San Diego Padres earned the top Wild Card spot after knocking off the Diamondbacks, 5–2, but if the playoffs started today, Atlanta would have the second Wild Card slot with the Mets third and the Diamondbacks out of the picture.

Looking Ahead

Brady Singer has tossed his final game for the Royals in the regular season, while Max Fried waits on any wild implications with the Mets double header on Monday. For the second game of the three-game set, the Braves will recall Reynaldo López, who is returning from his shoulder inflammation injury. The Royals will let veteran Seth Lugo deal on the bump. First pitch will be at 7:20 pm Eastern Saturday evening.