The Atlanta Braves watched a three-run lead slip away on Friday evening as they dropped the series opener to the Houston Astros, 6-4. Bryce Elder got the nod and lasted an impressive six innings of one-run ball. However, he watched his lead disappear as relievers Jesse Chavez and AJ Minter each had less-than-ideal outings.
The Braves scored each of their runs in the first inning. Even though the bats got quiet, the defense was still preserving the lead until Elder’s exit. Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Vaughn Grissom each contributed to the run column, which was overshadowed by the bullpen performance.