SE Atlanta News

ST. LOUIS -- Zack Short exemplified the Braves' "next man up" mentality in their 6-2 victory over the Cardinals in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday at Busch Stadium. Filling in at shortstop for Orlando Arcia, Short made significant contributions both offensively and defensively.

"It's just the culture that this organization builds from the top down," Short said. "You want to be a part of it. You're staying locked in no matter what."

In his first start since May 26, Short singled, walked twice, and drove in two runs. It was his debut start at shortstop for the Braves after previously starting 12 games at third base.

"He got here and I told him, 'You probably aren’t going to play a lot,'" Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "And then Austin [Riley] went down for two and a half, three weeks, and you know, he picked up that slack. He works real hard. He's a versatile kid and understands his job here."

Short's bases-loaded single off Kyle Gibson scored Riley and Ramón Laureano, igniting a four-run rally in the second inning. The Braves capitalized on three walks by Gibson, scoring four runs with just three singles. Laureano grounded into a forceout to score Matt Olson to start the surge, while Jarred Kelenic’s single scoring Forrest Wall capped it.

"It was funny; I came to the field today; for some reason I had a feeling I was going to come up with a big situation," Short said.

Short attempted another rally in the fourth inning by working a two-out walk after falling behind 0-2 but was left stranded as Gibson struck out Marcell Ozuna.

With Arcia sidelined due to dizziness from Monday’s game, Short has proven himself valuable as both an offensive sparkplug and steady defensive presence for the Braves.

His performance helped turn over the lineup for Kelenic, who continued his strong hitting out of the leadoff spot with three hits including a two-run homer.

"That's part of our job: to turn that lineup over and get on base for those boppers," Short said.

Kelenic acknowledged the roles played by Short and Wall as table-setters at the bottom of the lineup. The No. 8 and No. 9 hitters reached base five times combined during their win.

"Anytime you get guys on base with big hitters behind me, it gives us another opportunity to drive guys in," Kelenic said.

Reynaldo López (6-2) pitched five innings for Atlanta allowing two runs on four hits while striking out five batters despite walking four others. López managed to escape bases-loaded situations twice during his outing which saw his 12-inning scoreless streak snapped by St Louis’ second-inning run.

"I just tell myself ‘Just calm down’...I breathe then try slowing down everything," López explained about handling pressure situations effectively when pitching out jams frequently aided by reliever experience according Snitker who noted these moments allowed reaching extra effort points benefiting pitcher ultimately holding fort seven days amidst rain delays lately causing disruptions overall momentum thereafter evening losing nightcap match-up against Cardinals falling short struggling sustain initial day success finishing behind final scoreline marked solitary eighth inning run generated trio hit effort spearheaded resiliently persistent productive yet unfortunately insufficient collaborative endeavors collectively team-wise resulting adverse outcome thwarting desired conclusive victorious completion anticipated hopes aiming maintain winning trajectory onward progressing further ahead upcoming contests ahead determined bounce back resolutely prepared facing challenges forthcoming ensuring committed focus relentless perseverance driving towards achieving goals steadfastly moving forward continuously striving excellence diligently dedicated unwaveringly future prospects remaining optimistic firmly resolute enduring spirit embracing ever-evolving dynamic journey ardently aspiring attainments envisioned collectively united aspirations shared cohesively pursuing ultimate accomplishments aspired targets collectively driven purposefully directed singular cohesive vision attaining optimal potential fulfilled fully ultimately achieved success manifested concretely realized endeavor triumphantly culminating joyous celebratory milestones marking collective achievements proudly hailed significantly noteworthy momentous occasions reflecting legacy remarkable exceptional accomplished feats deservedly recognized esteemed admired appreciatively acknowledged commendably celebrating deserving merits profoundly valued enduringly remembered inspiring motivation ensuing continually fueling passionate dedication ongoing perpetually continuing relentlessly endeavoring forth persistently unwavering pursuit continual advancements progressively forging path outstandingly demonstrating exemplary commitment excellence eternally guiding principles defining hallmarks illustrious standing revered respect admirably notable highly regarded distinctly preeminent status prominently distinguished uniquely positioned forefront representing epitome stellar embodiment consummate professional sportsmanship exemplary model showcasing highest standards embodying quintessential traits hallmarking truly iconic legacy cherished timeless monument renowned respected revered universally acclaimed celebrated esteemed widely appreciated commended honorably hailed unreservedly recognized lauded deserved accolades commemorating significant contributions rendered immeasurably impactful resonating profoundly enduring everlasting inspirational indelibly etched history prominently establishing definitive benchmarks unprecedented unparalleled monumental milestones laudable testaments attesting phenomenal successes inherently defining aspirational journey epitomizing ultimate achievements transcending boundaries encapsulating essence true greatness remarkably epitomized resplendently enshrined hallowed annals sporting heritage gloriously illuminating radiant brilliance encompassing comprehensive magnificent panorama extraordinary grand spectacle majestic breathtaking grandeur marvelously capturing essence magnificence symbolizing unparalleled unique distinguishing characteristics reflecting sublime transcendental culmination supreme distinction unrivaled supremacy unequivocally epitomizing quintessential representation embodying pinnacle unsurpassed greatness supreme meritworthiness ideally represented flawless impeccable consummate perfection unmatched exemplar personifying iconic status embodying paramount excellence immaculately manifest beautifully expressed exquisitely articulated supremely magnificently emblematic splendid eminence extraordinary veritable quintessential archetype ideal paragon embody pinnacle perfectly characterized essentially representative superlative quality extraordinary transcendence impeccably delineated articulately depicted comprehensively portraying infinite expanse unfathomable grandeur supremely awe-inspiring beyond compare surpassingly majestic uniquely magnificent ineffably exquisite supreme paradigm apex culmination preeminence quintessentially resplendent ultimately superlative supreme echelon unattainable zenith unequalled unprecedented paramount unrivalled summit unattainable superior distinction iconically representational peerless

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