Eli White of the Atlanta Braves holds the trophy after the Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds in the MLB Speedway Classic held at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., on August 3, 2025.
The Atlanta Braves triumphed over the Cincinnati Reds with a score of 4-2 in the inaugural Speedway Classic held at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 31, 2024. The game marked a significant milestone as the first Major League Baseball (MLB) game ever played in the state of Tennessee.
In a nail-biting finish, Reds shortstop Matt McLain came close to tying the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. He hit a powerful drive to right field, but a fortunate bounce off the wall allowed Braves outfielder Eli White to secure the ball and preserve Atlanta’s lead. Raisel Iglesias stepped in to close the game, sealing the Braves’ victory.
Reflecting on the critical moment, White expressed relief, stating, “I’m just happy it stayed in the yard,” during an interview with Fox Sports. Ironically, White not only played a crucial defensive role but also contributed offensively, hitting two home runs and driving in all four of Atlanta’s runs.
Pitching and Performance Highlights
While White shone at the plate, Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep also delivered an impressive performance, securing his first career win. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only one run on three hits while striking out four batters. His efforts were instrumental in maintaining Atlanta’s lead throughout the game.
On the opposing side, Reds pitcher Brent Suter faced challenges, surrendering three runs in just 2.2 innings of work, ultimately leading to his loss. For Cincinnati, both McLain and Austin Hays managed to knock in a run each, but it was not enough to overcome the Braves’ early lead.
Unfortunately, the Braves faced a setback when third baseman Austin Riley sustained an injury after tagging out Elly De La Cruz in the first inning. His status for upcoming games remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead
The game, originally scheduled for March 30, had to be postponed due to rain, adding to the anticipation surrounding this historic matchup. Following the classic, the Cincinnati Reds will head to Chicago for a crucial series against the Cubs. Meanwhile, the Braves will return home to face the Milwaukee Brewers, who are currently on a winning streak.
This inaugural event at Bristol Motor Speedway not only showcased the excitement of MLB but also highlighted the potential for future games in new locations. As fans celebrate this moment, both teams will look to build on their performances in their upcoming matches.
