The Atlanta Braves secured a 3-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night, thanks to Chris Sale’s stellar performance. However, the game was overshadowed by a concerning incident involving Braves manager Brian Snitker.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, with Ozzie Albies at bat and facing a 1-2 count, Albies fouled off a Jordan Hicks sweeper into the Braves dugout, hitting manager Snitker in a very uncomfortable place.
Despite the awkward hit, Snitker quickly reassured everyone that he was alright. The Braves TV broadcast, featuring Brandon Gaudin and C.J. Nitkowski, had some fun with the situation.
“That bounced right into his belly… Oh, no. Not on the belly. Never mind. That’s a different kind of belly,” Gaudin remarked. Nitkowski added, “Belt buckle. Hopefully. Does a manager wear a cup? No doubt he is saying some really funny things right now. Things that aren’t fit for air.”
Chris Sale was impressive on the mound, allowing only three hits in six innings to earn his 11th win of the season, tying Kansas City’s Seth Lugo for the most wins in the majors. Sale recorded nine strikeouts while allowing just one run. He retired the Giants in order on only six pitches in the first inning, set the tone by striking out the side in the third, and added two more strikeouts to open the fifth before giving up his first hit.
Braves fans had mixed reactions to Snitker’s viral moment:
- Sam Hunter: “This will be a fine for Albies in kangaroo court.”
- Playdda: “One or two inches the other way and he’s DONE.”
- The Chosen Juan: “Went from a full count to no balls 2 strikes…..”
- CJ Fogler: “Brian Snitker got a foul ball right in the twig and berries.”
- Mark Berman: “This is hard to watch as Brian Snitker gets hit in the dugout.”
- Local Blogger: “Where were you when Brian Snitker got hit in the business and turned the Braves’ season around?”
In other concerning news, Atlanta shortstop Orlando Arcia has missed his second straight game after having an abscessed tooth removed. Snitker mentioned that Arcia had an infection and was being given protein drinks “just to get something in him.” There is no word yet on whether he’ll be able to play on Thursday as the Braves and Giants face off again, with Charlie Morton taking on Logan Webb in an Independence Day matchup.
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