The Atlanta Braves, owners of the best record in the majors, will have another chance to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with when they face the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday in the second contest of a four-game set
In the series opener on Monday, Atlanta fell 7-6 after giving up six runs in the third -- all charged to strikeout guru Spencer Strider, who had his shortest outing of the season (2 2/3 innings)
The Braves had won eight straight against Pittsburgh dating back to July 7, 2021, outscoring the Pirates 58-17 during that stretch
Overall, Atlanta has lost three straight games, is 10-11 since the All-Star break and is in danger of being overtaken by Baltimore atop the major league standings
But the Braves are not in danger of losing their confidence
"These last three games, we've been right there and we're a hit away," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said.