The Chicago White Sox dropped a 2-0 decision to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, as Grant Holmes carried a no-hitter into the seventh and Austin Riley delivered both runs.
The Chicago White Sox fell 2-0 to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, August 20, at Guaranteed Rate Field. Braves starter Grant Holmes took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and Austin Riley doubled and singled to drive in both Atlanta runs, snapping a three-game slide for the Braves. The loss came one day after the White Sox blanked the crosstown Cubs 3-0 at Wrigley Field.
White Sox: Pitching Holds, Offense Stalls
The White Sox (66-61, first in AL Central) managed just two hits on the night, both coming after Holmes exited. Holmes was lifted after the seventh, having allowed no hits while striking out seven and walking two. The White Sox offense, which had scored only three runs in its previous two games against the Cubs, continued to struggle against Braves pitching. Despite the offensive woes, the White Sox bullpen kept the game close, allowing just two runs total. However, the lack of run support proved costly.
Braves: Holmes and Riley Lead the Way
The Braves (record not provided) ended a three-game losing streak behind a dominant start from Grant Holmes. Holmes, who entered with a 3.71 ERA, allowed only two walks and struck out seven over seven hitless innings. Austin Riley provided all the offense Atlanta needed, doubling in the first inning to score a run and singling later to drive in another. The Braves’ bullpen completed the shutout, preserving the one-hit effort. The win was a much-needed boost for a team that had been struggling, and it showcased the potential of their young rotation.
Turning Point: Holmes’ No-Hit Bid
The game’s pivotal moment came in the seventh inning when Holmes, still nursing a 2-0 lead, lost his no-hit bid on a two-out single by the White Sox. The hit ended any hopes of a no-hitter but did not lead to a rally, as the next batter grounded out to end the inning. Holmes exited to a standing ovation, having thrown 98 pitches. The White Sox never threatened again, as the Braves’ bullpen retired all six batters they faced in the final two innings.
What It Means
The White Sox remain atop the AL Central but have now scored just three runs over their last three games. With a slim division lead and a pitching staff depleted by injuries — including eight pitchers on the IL — the offense’s inconsistency is a growing concern. They open a three-game series against the New York Mets (58-70) on Friday, a team they should beat if they hope to hold off the division challengers. The Braves, meanwhile, snapped their slide and will look to build momentum as they continue their push in the NL East. The win also highlighted the emergence of Grant Holmes, who has now thrown 12 consecutive scoreless innings.
- Grant Holmes took a no-hitter into the 7th inning, finishing with 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K.
- Austin Riley went 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs.
- The White Sox were held to 1 hit and were shut out for the first time since July 30.
- White Sox rookie Braden Montgomery, who had 2 RBIs in Wednesday’s win, went 0-for-3.
- The White Sox have 8 pitchers on the IL, including Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush (60-day).
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