Braves Take Another Series; Smith-Shawver Solid Before Exit

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver, Mandatory Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Young righty earns his first win of the season as Atlanta rolls to an 8–2 victory in Game Two at Coors Field.

After Monday’s hard-fought 6–3 comeback win, the Atlanta Braves rolled into Tuesday night’s matchup at Coors Field with a mission: win their fourth straight series and keep momentum alive in a tightly contested NL East race. The bats had shown life, the bullpen looked sharp, and the team had clawed their way out of an early hole the night before. But Tuesday would be all about one name, and that would be AJ Smith-Shawver.

Smith-Shawver Steps Up

Called back up from Triple-A, the 22-year-old right-hander took the mound for his fourth start of the year, still looking for his first win. What followed was a poised, confident, and efficient outing that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of Atlanta’s most promising young arms.

Smith-Shawver breezed through the first inning, setting the tone with a 1-2-3 frame. He ran into a minor hiccup in the second when Michael Toglia tagged him for a solo homer, but he quickly settled back in. Across 5.1 innings, he scattered four hits, allowed just one walk, and struck out five. Most importantly, he gave the Braves stability and tempo—something the team has needed from the back end of their rotation.

His night was cut short in unfortunate fashion after he was drilled in the elbow by a line drive off the bat of Ryan McMahon in the sixth inning. He would be taken out of the game as a precaution, and his night was over. Still, his final line was a huge positive: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K. And for the first time this year, the “W” went next to his name.

Harris, Olson, and Allen Drive the Offense

Backing Smith-Shawver’s effort was a balanced and opportunistic Braves offense. After a quiet first inning, Matt Olson kicked off the second with a single, and Sean Murphy followed with a double. Michael Harris II cashed in with a two-run double to open the scoring.

In the fourth, Atlanta broke things open. With the bases loaded and one out, Harris grounded out to bring in another run, and Nick Allen followed with a clutch two-RBI single to make it 5–1. By the fifth, it was Olson again, slapping his third hit of the night—this one a double—to set up another scoring opportunity. Ozzie Albies knocked him in with a single, stretching the lead to 6–1.

Austin Riley added two RBI singles—one in the sixth and one in the eighth—to push the Braves’ total to eight runs. Nearly every spot in the order contributed, with Eli White collecting a triple and a double, and Allen delivering perhaps his biggest hit of the season.

Lockdown Relief

After Smith-Shawver’s exit, Enyel De Los Santos came in to get the Braves out of the sixth, giving up one run but holding the Rockies at bay. From there, Rafael Montero tossed a clean eighth, and Scott Blewett handled the ninth, stranding two baserunners by inducing a game-ending double play. The bullpen allowed just one run in 3.2 innings of work, continuing a stretch of dependable relief performances that have quietly fueled Atlanta’s recent success.

Series Win Secured

With the 8–2 win, Atlanta secured the series and improved to 4–1 on their current road trip. They’ve now won four straight series and are just one win away from hitting the .500 mark with their overall record now being 14-15 on the season. 

And for AJ Smith-Shawver, the win was more than just a stat. It was a confidence-builder, a sign of growth, and a reminder that the Braves have another young arm ready to make an impact at the major league level.

Up Next:

The Braves go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon at Coors Field. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. ET. You can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network South and Southeast, or tune in via radio on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

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