Fri May 09 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Braves Aim for Series Split Against Reds, Relying on Sale and Offensive Punch
**Atlanta, GA –** Following an impressive eight-inning shutout by rookie AJ Smith-Shawver on Monday, the Atlanta Braves look to veteran Chris Sale to continue their pitching dominance against the Cincinnati Reds tonight. Sale, coming off a strong seven-inning, 10-strikeout performance against Colorado despite a loss, hopes for both a repeat performance and crucial run support from his lineup.
Sale’s task will be to outduel Reds’ starter Andrew Abbott, who has been stingy this season, allowing one earned run or fewer in three of his four starts. However, Abbott’s inconsistency presents an opportunity; his starts have been short, often lasting only four or five innings, and he’s prone to walks, particularly in his last two outings. The Braves, especially Marcell Ozuna (league-leading walk rate) and Matt Olson (second in walk rate), will aim to exploit Abbott’s tendency to issue free passes.
A win tonight would secure a series split for Atlanta. While the pitching matchup favors the Braves on paper, the team’s offense needs to generate runs against Abbott to ensure victory. The game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. EDT at Truist Park and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network South/Southeast and 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.
First Piper 