This is a new section we will be posting daily here at SportsTalkATL. It will keep you up to date with everything going on with your favorite Atlanta team on a day-to-day basis. So stay tuned every day for all the insight on your favorite Atlanta sports teams!
Atlanta Braves
The Braves had the finale of their short two-game series with the MLB’s best Houston Astros. After getting crushed in the opener 16-4, Atlanta looked to bounce back behind the arm of Jaime Garcia. Garcia himself was looking to rebound after a rough last couple starts. Unfortunately, Houston is rarely forgiving at the plate, and while Garcia had great stuff, the Astros took advantage of every mistake he made.
The 30-year old southpaw showcased tremendous control with most of his pitches, walking zero batters, but he did have trouble locating his curveball. He left it hanging a few too many times, and Houston did not miss it, chasing Garcia out of the game after 6+ innings and five earned runs.
A four-run Braves fourth inning, capped off by an Ender Inciarte two-run homer, tied the game up temporarily. But the Houston bats scored three runs in the 7th and 8th innings for a six run cushion and another road sweep.
The Braves bats continue to struggle, as they failed to reach the five run mark for their 10th consecutive game. It has been a rough patch for an offense that has been stellar for most of the season. With Freddie Freeman returning from injury, expect that to change. However, the schedule does not get any easier, as Atlanta heads to Washington for their final three game set before the All-Star break.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have been extremely quiet during this raucous beginning to NBA free agency. Most of the star names are now off the market, and Atlanta’s “wait and see” approach seems to be working? The Hawks are clearly in full rebuild mode, and at the rate they are going, it is hard to say they are not tanking.
A full list of free agents the Hawks have been linked to can be found here.
One major issue they have still yet to make a decision on is retaining Tim Hardaway Jr. And according the AJC’s Chris Vivlamore, nothing has changed.
Was told today nothing new to report. https://t.co/giQZ9T0Y9X
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) July 5, 2017
Hardaway Jr. had a breakout season of sorts for Atlanta last season. The market seems to be a lot colder than in year’s past for restricted free agents, and the Hawks can still match any offer.
In other news an Atlanta fan favorite, the Anchorman says his goodbye on Instagram to the city of Atlanta and the fans. He leaves us with one final thought and of course an “#Anchormanout”. Millsap was the final piece remaining from the team that won a record breaking 60 games just two years ago.
Here is Paul Millsap's message on Instagram regarding his departure from Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/P7xrFfAssn
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) July 6, 2017
Atlanta Falcons
There is not much news regarding the Falcons as they continue their offseason, however, there is one interesting bit of information that was recently released. SportLine released their odds for the number of wins for each NFL team, and the Falcons came in at 9.5. So if you think the dirty birds are going to win double-digit games next season, start putting you’re money were you’re mouth is.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United are coming off their third win in a row in MLS play after defeating San Jose 4-2 on America’s birthday. It was their 8th game in just 24 days, which is just brutal for a soccer club. Luckily, the team will get a rest thanks to the Gold Cup and will not play again until July 21st in Orlando.