The Atlanta Braves took a disappointing loss yesterday against the Toronto Blue Jays, despite an offensive effort that included three home runs. The Braves suffered from costly defensive miscues and a few unfortunate pitching performances. Kevin Pillar hit a home run in his old stadium.

Braves Solid Bullpen Performance…Mostly

Collin McHugh started the game as the opener. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over 1.2 innings.

Michael Tonkin pitched 3.1 innings allowing just one run, bringing his season ERA to 2.01.

Jesse Chavez earned his ninth hold of the season with a clean sixth inning, striking out two.

Kirby Yates lowered his ERA to 3.07 and pitched a clean eighth inning. It’s good to see Yates performing in high-leverage situations.

Once again, Nick Anderson showcased his dominance on the mound for the Braves. Anderson pitched one shutout inning to lower his ERA to 3.12. Earlier in the season we discussed the possibility of Anderson being a dark horse candidate to close for the Braves. With AJ Minter’s continued struggles this season, Anderson appears to have worked himself into the setup role for the Braves.

Braves Closer News: Raisel Iglesias Falters in the Ninth

Unfortunately, Raisel Iglesias failed to preserve a 5-4 lead for the Braves in the ninth inning. Iglesias has allowed two earned runs in each of his past two outings. Iglesias came in in the ninth and immediately surrendered a single to Valdimir Guerrero Jr. He got Daulton Varsho to pop out to Matt Olson but then walked Matt Chapman. With runners on first and second, he got Whit Merrifield to fly out to left for the second out. Brandon Belt singled on a grounder to Arcia to load the bases for Danny Jansen.

Noteworthy Braves’ Performances

Ronald Acuna Jr. went 2-4 with an RBI, a walk, and two runs scored. Acuna Jr. opened the game with a leadoff homer, his eighth of the season. His average is .346 and his OPS is 1.014.

Ozzie Albies‘ continues his slugging ways, connecting on his 10th home run of the season.

Kevin Pillar hit his fourth homer of the year in his old stomping grounds of Toronto.

The Braves committed three costly errors in this game. Atlanta has now lost four consecutive games but is still five games up on the second-place Phillies in the NL East.