Neither Team Won in Minnesota

Two Atlanta teams played in Minnesota tonight. Neither brought back a win.

The Braves lost 6-4 to the Twins at Target Field, completing a three-game sweep. That makes five losses in their last six games. The offense has gone quiet in a way that should concern anyone paying attention — 15 runs across those five defeats, 12 runners left on base tonight alone. At 74-53, they still lead the NL East. The cushion absorbs nights like this. It does not excuse them.

At Allianz Field, Atlanta United drew 1-1 with Minnesota United. Tomas Jacob scored from a corner in the 37th minute. Anthony Markanich equalized in the 58th. Expected goals told the full story: 0.36 apiece. Two teams with nothing to give, and nothing given.

For United, last in the Eastern Conference at 4-4-12 with 16 points, a draw qualifies as progress. They are unbeaten in two after snapping a seven-match winless run. Small mercies.

One more thing. The Braves can afford to lose. United cannot. Yet it was United who left Minnesota with something to show for it, and the Braves who left empty-handed. Sometimes the team with less to spare is the one that finds a way to hold on.