Braves Blank Athletics in Series Opener

Elder, Braves bullpen combine for shutout win over struggling Oakland

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:25am

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Bryce Elder threw six scoreless innings and the Atlanta Braves bullpen held on for a 4-0 victory over the visiting Oakland Athletics in the opening game of their three-game series. Mauricio Dubon drove in three runs to lead the Braves offense.

Why it matters

The Braves continued their strong start to the season, improving to 4-0 with their second shutout win. Meanwhile, the Athletics remain winless at 0-4, struggling to find their footing early in the year.

The details

Elder (1-0) allowed five hits and one walk, striking out five batters over his six scoreless frames. The Braves bullpen of Aaron Bummer, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias combined for three more scoreless innings to complete the shutout. Dubon, acquired in an offseason trade, went 3-for-4 with three RBIs to pace the Atlanta offense.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Bryce Elder

The Braves starting pitcher who threw six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out five batters.

Mauricio Dubon

The Braves outfielder who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the win.

Jacob Lopez

The Athletics starting pitcher who struggled, allowing three runs on five hits and five walks over four innings.

Aaron Bummer

The Braves relief pitcher who worked a scoreless seventh inning.

Raisel Iglesias

The Braves closer who made his season debut with a scoreless ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Our pitching has been outstanding to start the season. Bryce set the tone early and the bullpen did a great job closing it out.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

What’s next

The Braves and Athletics will continue their three-game series on Tuesday night.

The takeaway

The Braves' strong pitching has been the key to their undefeated start, as they've now recorded two shutouts in their first four games. Meanwhile, the struggling Athletics are still searching for their first win of the season.