Atlanta, GA
Braves repeat their mistakes, walked off by Phillies 3-2 in 11
If you watched the entirety of the Braves’ 3-2, walkoff loss to the Phillies on Sunday night, I’m sorry. If you didn’t, but you did watch their 5-4 loss to open this series back on Thursday, well, you didn’t miss much. At this point, the Braves are making the same mistake over and over, and their injury-riddled roster isn’t able to overcome it. So it goes, except where it’s going is a pretty lame place.
To recap: on Thursday, the Braves let Charlie Morton persist far too long despite not pitching particularly well, leading to a big blow. Then, Grant Holmes doubled up on fastballs to Nick Castellanos, and paid the price, as a two-run homer turned a one-run lead into a one-run deficit that become a one-run loss.
So, on Sunday, the Braves let Spencer Schwellenbach persist far too long despite not pitching particularly well, leading to a big blow that, in Schwellenbach’s defense, was not really his fault, just poor fortune to have two softly-hit bloops find paydirt, followed by an okay hit ball that split the defense instead of going towards an outfielder. Then, after the Atlanta bullpen shone as brightly as they have all season, forcing a tie game all the way into the 11th, the Braves botched a double play chance, and asked Holmes to face Castellanos with two outs and the winning run on third. In a 1-2 count, Holmes threw a fastball down the middle, and Castellanos hit it back up the box to end the game.
It feels weird to lose the first and last game of the series in this very specific way, but mostly everything about this season has been the bad kind of weird. I’m not really even sure it’s worth recapping the game in full, because fundamentally, blah.
The Braves got on the board first, thanks to a two-out solo homer by Michael Harris II off Aaron Nola in the third. A walk, a single, and Whit Merrifield beating out a double play ball scored a second run in the fourth.
Spencer Schwellenbach didn’t pitch particularly well, which is more or less where the trouble began. He had an 0/1 K/BB ratio through two innings, and his only two strikeouts of the game came within a span of three batters in one of his two perfect frames. He had a fairly low pitch count, which is something akin to the kiss of death for a Braves starter once the middle innings roll around, and in this case, said kiss was sloppy and gross as well as being toxic. Basically, Trea Turner hit a soft bloop to right, and then Bryce Harper hit the uber-bloop at around 65 mph down the left field line, putting the tying run on second. Schwellenbach got ahead of Castellanos 0-2, despite hanging a slider on the second pitch, and then hung another slider, which was hit into left-center to tie the game.
Again, there’s no knock on Schwellenbach here in particular — you live by the BABIP, you die by the BABIP. The only real issue was, again, the lack of urgency. Schwellenbach wasn’t pitching that well, relying on balls finding gloves, pretty much all game. Castellanos came up with the leverage index above 3.00, i.e., more than triple the importance of the average situation. The Braves are hanging on to a playoff spot by a thread, every other relevant team in the Wild Card race had already won, and, oh, again — they got burned by the exact same lack of urgency earlier in this series. But, you know, once more into the breach.
Much of the rest of the game, until Holmes was asked to face Castellanos again, was basically what happens when neither the Island of Misfit Toys nor the few legitimate bats in the lineup can do anything.
The Braves got a leadoff walk in the seventh, but it was erased on a double play. There was a leadoff single in the eighth, but Jeff Hoffman blew Jorge Soler away with an elevated fastball, which apparently caused Marcell Ozuna to sit on the fastball for four straight pitches, of which only one was a fastball (and it was too high and inside to offer at), and on which Ozuna struck out in pretty pathetic fashion. Matt Strahm suffered some serious issues in the ninth… or maybe he was just keenly aware that walking the bases loaded to face Orlando Arcia and Luke Williams (who pinch-ran to enter the game, to no avail, in the eighth) is apparently a legitimate strategy.
The Braves didn’t score in extras, either, though there was a bunch of weird stuff there, including pinch-hitting Adam Duvall, who hadn’t had a PA in over a week, to face a righty, to replace Eli White, who himself came in as a defensive replacement. In the 11th, both Travis d’Arnaud and Merrifield failed to score Ozuna from third with one out, just like Arcia and Williams a few innings earlier.
While all of this was playing out, the bullpen was oh so good. This bullpen, especially when the dregs aren’t asked to get outs, and a modicum of handedness is paid attention to, is straight nails. The team doesn’t seem to care, though, but again, so it goes. A combination of Dylan Lee, Pierce Johnson, Joe Jimenez, Raisel Iglesias (for two innings), and Aaron Bummer combined to post a 7/2 K/BB ratio in five innings, and one of those walks was a really bizarre sequence where Bummer, after retiring Kyle Schwarber, was not asked to intentionally walk Turner despite Turner’s run being completely irrelevant — he walked him anyway, but what a completely useless gamble the Braves took there.
Anyway, that brought the game to the sequence where Bryce Harper faced Bummer and hit what should’ve been a double play ball right at Williams. The problem was that Williams threw to Merrifield, who wasn’t at the second base bag yet, and Merrifield had to awkwardly run to the base and throw across his body, which let Harper reach safely. A few pitches later, Holmes made the same mistake he made on Thursday, and here we are.
The Braves will now return home to face the Rockies, but at this point, especially at this point, it’s clear that it’s no longer about whom they face. It’s more just — will this be a game where the deliberate decision to let your starter go a third time through blows up in their face? If no, then they’ll win. If yes, well, you hope at least some of the bats will come through, or else it’ll be another game like this one.
The Braves have 25 games to run out the clock on the final playoff spot, or I guess make a run and take one of the higher ones, though that seems unlikely at the moment. They could make things easier for themselves, but let’s be real: if they didn’t do it in this series, or in this game, after they already lost a game in this series to the exact same stuff — when are they going to?
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet
Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre
ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.
Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.
“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”
Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the Beast, Swan Princess and Snow White.
While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com
Public ticket sales begin June 19.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.
The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers that center fielder Michael Harris II could go on the IL with lower back issues if it doesn’t improve in the coming days.
The team is hopeful an IL-stint can be avoided as he is semmingly doing better and he is receiving treatment and could be available tonight, but Mauricio Dubón is starting in place of Harris II in center field.
Harris II left the June 16 game and also missed time earlier this month with lower back tightness. With monsoon season hitting the Atlanta-area, the wet conditions have wrecked the team’s schedule, but also created non-ideal conditions on the field, including on the 16th when Harris II left the contest.
It’s not good news – but it isn’t bad news either.
Atlanta, GA
YMCA of Metro Atlanta Partners with Trae Young Family Foundation to Unveil 8 New Pickleball Courts with ‘First Dink’ Celebration
New courts will bring access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports through youth programming, recreational play and community wellness initiatives
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta distributed the following announcement about the opening of new pickleball courts in East Cobb:
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta celebrated the grand opening of eight brand-new pickleball courts at its McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA location with a “First Dink” ceremony Wednesday, June 17. The new courts expand opportunities for community members of all ages to stay active, build connections and enjoy one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
The event featured remarks by leaders from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Trae Young Family Foundation, followed by a ceremonial “First Dink.” Players from the Atlanta Bouncers, the city’s first professional pickleball team, closed out the celebration with a clinic, introducing community members to the game through demonstrations and hands-on play.
Made possible through donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA community, the new pickleball courts will enhance a variety of YMCA programming, including youth camp camps, recreational play, leagues and opportunities for families and older adults to strengthen their physical and social well-being through active lifestyles.
“At the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to connect, grow and thrive through healthy living,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “These new pickleball courts will provide a welcoming space where children, families and older adults can build relationships, stay active and experience the joy of play together. We are grateful to the Trae Young Family Foundation and all the donors for helping make this investment in our community possible.”
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity nationwide, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta remains committed to creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to pursue healthier lifestyles and meaningful connections. The new courts at the McCleskey East-Cobb Family YMCA represent the latest example of the organization’s dedication to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
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