Austin Riley smashed a three-run home run, while Charlie Morton pitched 5 2/3 innings without allowing a run as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-0 on Monday. Due to rain, the game was shortened to eight innings.
Morton, at 40 years old, is the oldest starting pitcher in the league this season. He gave up only three hits, walked two, and struck out six in his first start of the season, handing the White Sox their fourth consecutive loss.
“I felt good,” Morton said after his 17th season debut. “We utilized all our tools today, and when you can do that, it’s enjoyable.” Riley’s home run, off reliever Dominic Leone, came right after a 44-minute rain delay. He ended the game with four RBIs.
“I don’t know how he managed that,” Braves manager Brian Snitker commented on Riley’s first homer of the season. “That’s why these guys drive in a hundred runs; they don’t leave many on base.”
Chicago’s starter Chris Flexen gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and three walks, in his first game with the team. “That’s a tough team there. Everyone knows it,” said Chicago manager Pedro Grifol. “When you don’t pitch well in important situations against those guys, it works in their favor.”
Travis D’Arnaud opened the scoring by scoring on Ronald Acuña Jr.’s fielder’s choice in the third inning, and Orlando Arcia extended the lead with a two-run double in the fourth.
Morton faced some early challenges but settled down and retired the final 11 batters he faced before leaving with two outs in the sixth inning. Dylan Lee and Tyler Matzek finished the game without allowing any runs. Yoán Moncada had two hits for the White Sox, who are now 0-4 for the first time since 2015.
