Fourteen Runs at Home Against That Team

I'm not panicking. I'm adjusting.

Fourteen runs. At Truist Park. Against a team with the worst record in the NL West. In one day.

Ellis told you this morning the evidence didn't support worry. Then the Braves gave up seven runs. Twice. To the Giants. Timing is brutal.

Here's what actually bothers me. Game 2 told the whole story. Twelve hits. Nine runners left on base. That's not bad luck. That's a team that can get on but can't finish. Olson went 3-for-5. Riley went 3-for-4 with one RBI. The lineup showed up and still couldn't close.

And JR Ritchie — twenty-two years old, sixth career start — gave up three home runs in a single inning. That's not a veteran having an off night. That's a kid getting exposed, and right now there's nobody behind him. Strider's on the IL. Acuna's on the IL. Murphy's on the IL. The depth chart is thinning.

Ten days ago I filed receipts at 85%. Best team in baseball. The structural case still holds — 46-27 is elite. But you don't get swept at home by a sub-.500 team and keep the full number.

I'm dropping it five points. Not because June baseball is destiny. Because what I saw today was a pitching staff bleeding and a lineup that hits singles when it needs doubles.

I'm 80% sure the Braves are still the best team in baseball.

That number moves again if the next homestand looks like this one. Receipts updated.