Tue May 06 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Braves Avoid Sweep, But Offensive Inconsistency Remains a Concern

**Atlanta, GA** – The Atlanta Braves avoided a series sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, winning 4-3 thanks to a strong performance by Austin Riley, who hit two two-run homers. However, the victory highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles with offensive consistency. While Riley is heating up, other star players like Marcell Ozuna, Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies have been inconsistent at the plate. Even Matt Olson, despite a four-hit weekend, hasn’t yet found his stride.

Manager Brian Snitker pointed to the Dodgers’ consistently strong performance from their star players as a key factor in their success, a contrast to the Braves’ fluctuating output. The team’s collective starting pitching ERA currently ranks 26th in Major League Baseball. While Bryce Elder showed encouraging signs with a five-inning, two-run performance on Sunday, the Braves need more consistent contributions from their starting rotation.

The Braves now face a four-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds, who boast a strong offense and pitching staff. Tonight’s game, featuring AJ Smith-Shawver against Brady Singer, starts at 7:15 p.m. on FanDuel Sports and will be broadcast on the same channel for the remainder of the series. The Reds currently sit at 18-17, ranking top-5 in the National League in both runs scored and team ERA, though they are without outfielder Austin Hays, who is on the 10-day injured list.

Meanwhile, the AJC welcomes Rod Beard as its new senior sports editor. Beard, who joins from Detroit, has deep Braves roots thanks to his grandfather and the Superstation. A Q&A with him can be found in today’s Sports Daily newsletter. The newsletter also features details on attractive ticket deals for the upcoming series against the Reds and Nationals.

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