by BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — In Sunday’s rain-delayed MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, Eli White hit a three-run homer and a single drive to help the Atlanta Braves defeat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2.
At the historic racetrack, White’s first home run of the afternoon put Atlanta ahead 3-1 in the second inning. The ball cleared the outfield wall and the track itself before striking the safety barrier.
On a leadoff shot in the seventh, he added his sixth home run of the year.
Cincinnati left 12 runners on base and went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position. The loser was Brent Suter (1-2).
After winning four of the first six games, Atlanta entered the contest having secured the season series. Before traveling to Bristol, the teams split the first two games in Cincinnati.
Due to heavy rain, the game, which was supposed to take place on Saturday, was postponed in the first inning.On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, Eli White of the Atlanta Braves celebrates hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning of the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game. After yesterday’s rain delay, play began today. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)
Play resumed with Atlanta’s Hurston Waldrep (1-0) on the mound. Raised from Triple-A Gwinnett, the right-hander made the roughly 250-mile journey to Bristol Motor Speedway early on Sunday morning. For his first professional victory, he pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball.
Key moment
Following a walk by Tyler Stephenson and a balk by Tyler Kinley, the Reds loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth. Luke Williams made a diving stop and threw to second for the forceout after Ke Bryan Hayes hit a powerful grounder to third.
Key stat
It was decided by more than one run for the first time in six meetings between these teams.
Up next
Braves: On Monday against Milwaukee, RHP Erick Fedde (3-11, 5.33 ERA) will start.
Reds: Nick Lodolo, a left-hander (8-6, 3.09 ERA), will start against the Cubs on Monday.
