Braves complete comeback this time, overcome six-run deficit to defeat White Sox

Gabriel Burns, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Aug 19, 2025

Published in Baseball

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ATLANTA — The Braves vs. Chicago White Sox series has been disgustingly interesting. It’s been littered with pitching malfunctions and chaotic innings. It’s had furious comebacks. It’s had homers. It’s had errors and failed bunts.

Before the season, this matchup wasn’t supposed to be so competitive. One team expected to be in the gutter, but the other anticipated competing for a championship. Alas, the two clubs have produced a couple of dragged-out affairs at Truist Park that would sicken any pitching coach.

One night after failing to complete a comeback, the Braves overcame a 10-4 deficit to defeat the White Sox 11-10. The win was secured by rookie catcher Drake Baldwin’s two-out RBI single to right in the eighth inning that scored two runs.

The Braves were spared the embarrassment of consecutive home losses to one of the three teams that possesses a worse record than them.

Like Monday, starting pitching put the Braves in a hole. Bryce Elder surrendered eight runs on nine hits in only 4 2/3 innings. He and Spencer Strider combined to allow 15 runs on 19 hits in 7 2/3 innings over the last two games.

It’s a disappointment for Elder, who allowed two earned runs over seven innings in his last outing against the Mets. Elder has a rotation spot due to myriad injuries, but he hasn’t maximized his opportunity (6.29 ERA) to earn any role moving forward. Since his 2023 All-Star appearance, Elder hasn’t proved himself to be anything more than organizational depth.

In one positive development, outfielder Jurickson Profar is looking like the player the Braves envisioned when they signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract last winter. He homered off White Sox starter Shane Smith, his third home run of the series and fourth homer in three games. He had a 1.085 OPS in 17 games this month entering the night.

Outfielder Michael Harris II also homered, extending his hitting streak to 12 games. It’s the longest active streak in the National League and equals the second-best run of his career (15 games is his best). Whatever the win-loss results, Harris’ reemergence has been the story of the second half.

The Braves scored seven runs across the seventh and eighth innings to win. Their rejuvenated offense took advantage of a hapless White Sox bullpen.

The Braves and White Sox conclude their series Wednesday. Hurston Waldrep (3-0, 1.02), who’s been the Braves’ best starter recently, will oppose Chicago southpaw Martin Perez (1-2, 3.09).

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