Braves Shut Out Royals 6-0 in 2026 Opener

Atlanta, Georgia, March 27, 2026 - The Atlanta Braves kicked off their 2026 Major League Baseball season with a decisive 6-0 shutout victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Truist Park, showcasing dominant pitching and timely hitting in front of 39,697 fans.

Chris Sale delivered a masterful performance in his second consecutive Opening Day start, limiting the Royals to just four hits over seven innings while striking out nine. The 2024 Cy Young Award winner, who posted a 2.58 ERA in an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, retired the side in order through four innings and escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fifth. Braves manager Walt Weiss praised Sale's command after the game, saying, "He was locked in from the first pitch, setting the tone for our defense to shine."

The Royals' offense, which ranked 22nd in weighted runs created plus and 26th in home runs and runs scored last season, managed only scattered threats against Sale. Kansas City stranded seven runners, including three in scoring position, as the lineup featuring Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino went 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Starter Cole Ragans, making his third straight...