The Atlanta Braves continued their recent offensive struggles Wednesday afternoon, falling 6-4 to the Minnesota Twins as the Twins completed a three-game series sweep.
Kody Clemens drove in three runs, including the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning, while Brooks Lee added an insurance RBI single later in the frame to lift Minnesota to the victory. Kaelen Culpepper also had a big day at the plate with three hits.
The Braves battled back after trailing 4-1, scoring three runs in the sixth inning to tie the game. Ronald Acuña Jr., Lane Thomas, and Ozzie Albies each drove in a run during Atlanta’s comeback effort before Minnesota answered in the bottom of the seventh.
AJ Smith-Shawver, recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett earlier this week, allowed four earned runs over 4 1/3 innings in his second start of the season. Victor Mederos suffered the loss in relief, while Yoendrys Gómez retired the side in order in the ninth to earn his 20th save of the season.
Atlanta has now dropped five of its last six games, scoring just 15 runs during that stretch while struggling to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Braves manager Walt Weiss was ejected in the eighth inning after arguing a check-swing call.
The Braves will look to bounce back Thursday when they open a series in Chicago. Right-hander Grant Holmes is scheduled to start against the White Sox, with first pitch following the Braves pregame show on your home for Atlanta Braves baseball.