The Atlanta Braves are already formidable, but they got even better after Max Fried returned to the lineup.
The 2022 All-Star has been out for two months due to a strained left forearm and was activated on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, much to the dismay of coach David Ross.
The Cubs were beaten 8-0 by the rolling Braves, thanks to the stellar plays of Fried, who tossed six shutout innings. He also allowed just three hits -- all singles -- and struck out eight.
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Fried impressed in his first outing after a long rehab, and Ross just had to admit that they were beaten badly by him.
"Fried was pitching like an ace," the Cubs manager said.
"Real stuff in the zone, mixing multiple pitches, kitchen sink thrown at everybody. We never got him in trouble at all other than a couple singles. So, yeah, just a beating."
Fried's coach was not surprised by his great plays
Fried knew he would join the club that already appeared unbeatable, becoming the first team this year to reach 70 wins.
This is why he was nervous coming into the game against the Cubs.
His manager Brian Snitker welcomed his return but was at a loss to explain how remarkable Fried's comeback was.
"That was something else," Snitker said postgame.
"I really didn't know what to expect. I didn't think he'd be that sharp. That was pretty good and very impressive what he did."
The Braves and the Cubs will go at it again in the next two days to wrap up their series.
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