Braves Defeat Mariners 4-1 Behind Chris Sale Dominance

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-1 in the opening game of their series at Truist Park, powered by an impressive start from Chris Sale and a pivotal three-run rally in the eighth inning. Sale, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on four hits with nine strikeouts and no walks, marking his eighth consecutive start with six or more innings and one or fewer runs allowed. The Braves' offense came alive in the eighth, with Jurickson Profar leading off with a double, followed by RBIs from Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Drake Baldwin, turning a 1-1 tie into a decisive lead. Reliever Tyler Kinley extended his scoreless streak with a perfect eighth inning, and closer Raisel Iglesias secured the win with a clean ninth for his 24th save. Seattle, despite its powerful lineup with 170 home runs from its top five hitters, struggled offensively and suffered its 13th loss in 18 games, dropping to six losses in seven on their nine-game road trip. The Braves look to continue their momentum with Hurston Waldrep starting the next game.