Back to the Atlanta Braves Newsfeed

Braves blitz Cardinals with 6 runs in first 2 innings in 8-4 win

The Cardinals cut into the lead, but couldn't draw even after the second inning.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras stands at the plate as Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game Monday, April 3, 2023, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS — With the Cardinals trying to chip away from an early five-run deficit, they asked the bullpen to try to keep the game close on Monday night against the Braves at Busch Stadium.

Zack Thompson and Packy Naughton did what they were asked to do.