Braves Top Royals 3-0 Behind Max Fried

Max Fried delivered an impressive performance, throwing 8 2/3 scoreless innings and leading the Atlanta Braves to a critical 3-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. He struck out nine batters and showcased his dominance, helping the Braves improve their playoff chances as they chase wild-card spots. Sean Murphy contributed with a two-run homer, and Marcell Ozuna added a run due to a throwing error by the Royals' catcher. This win puts the Braves just a half-game behind the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL wild-card race. Fried's outing not only boosts his stock as he nears free agency but also highlights the importance of both strong pitching and run support for the Braves moving forward. The Royals, despite the loss, remain in contention for a playoff berth, depending on outcomes from other games.