Braves Get Strong Day From Elder, Bats Can't Capitalize

Elder finally delivers, and the Braves still lose / Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesThe Atlanta Braves dropped Friday afternoon’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, 3-2. They got a strong outing from Bryce Elder, which was a long time coming after a string of rough outings from the right-hander.

He pitched 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out five batters. In his last seven starts heading into Friday, he had a 10.50 ERA in 30 innings pitched. Two of those starts, he allowed eight earned runs or more, including his previous start on Sunday out in Texas. He’s also had trouble with the long ball, allowing eight home runs in that span.

At last, he got his…