Grant Holmes carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and Austin Riley drove in both runs as the Atlanta Braves topped the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Thursday.
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Thursday, Aug. 20, behind a dominant pitching performance from Grant Holmes and two RBIs from Austin Riley. Holmes took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Braves’ bullpen finished the job to snap a three-game losing streak.
Braves’ Pitching and Riley’s Bat Lead the Way
Grant Holmes was the story of the night, flirting with history as he carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. He kept the White Sox hitters off balance all game, and the Braves’ pitching staff combined to blank Chicago, securing the shutout victory. Austin Riley provided all the offense Atlanta needed, doubling and singling to drive in both runs. The win improved the Braves to 75-53, keeping them atop the NL East.
White Sox Struggle to Mount Offense
The White Sox, who entered the game at 66-61 and leading the AL Central, were held scoreless for the second time in three days. After blanking the Cubs 3-0 on Wednesday, Chicago’s bats went quiet against Holmes and the Braves’ bullpen. The team managed no runs and, according to the box score, no player stat lines were available, highlighting the offensive futility. The loss snapped any momentum from their crosstown win and put a dent in their division lead, though they remain in first place.
Turning Point: Holmes’ No-Hit Bid
The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Holmes finally surrendered a hit, but by then the Braves already held a 2-0 lead. His no-hit bid was the clear turning point, as it kept the White Sox off the scoreboard and allowed Atlanta’s two runs to stand up. The Braves’ pitching staff, despite a depleted rotation and bullpen, delivered one of their best combined efforts of the season.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Braves, the win ended a three-game skid and reinforced their status as a top NL contender. They jumped to No. 3 in MLB’s Week 21 power rankings, and with a key series against the Milwaukee Brewers (79-49) starting Friday, the momentum is crucial. The White Sox, meanwhile, will look to rebound quickly as they host the New York Mets (58-70) on Friday night. With a lengthy injury list on the pitching staff, Chicago’s depth will be tested down the stretch as they protect their AL Central lead.
Key Takeaways
- Grant Holmes took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, anchoring a Braves shutout.
- Austin Riley drove in both Atlanta runs with a double and a single.
- The White Sox were blanked for the second time in three days, falling 2-0.
- Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 75-53.
- Chicago remains in first place in the AL Central at 66-61 despite the loss.
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