White-Hot Braves Outslug Reds at the Speedway Classic

The MLB’s first-ever Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway delivered the drama—and the Braves brought the thunder. Atlanta’s Eli White played the role of grand marshal and grand slammer, belting two homers to power the Braves past the Cincinnati Reds, 4-2, in a game resumed Sunday after a rain delay washed out Saturday’s opener.

White’s three-run blast in the second inning broke the seal, literally bouncing off the safer barrier after clearing the wall and racetrack. He wasn’t done, adding a solo shot in the seventh to cap off a powerful day at the plate.

Hurston Waldrep earned his first career win in style, tossing nearly six innings of one-run ball after a 250-mile trek from Triple-A Gwinnett that morning. Cincinnati couldn’t capitalize with runners on, going just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranding a dozen on base.

Despite a rally in the eighth, a diving stop by Luke Williams shut the door and sealed the win for Atlanta, who now holds the season series edge over the Reds.

Next Up: The Reds head to Wrigley Field Monday with Nick Lodolo set to toe the rubber against the Cubs.