Atlanta’s Eli White Hits Two Home Runs and Drives in all Four Atlanta Runs in 4–2 Win
BRISTOL, Tenn. – August 3, 2025 – Ty Back
In a venue more accustomed to the roar of stock cars than the crack of bats, Major League Baseball brought its show to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend, transforming Thunder Valley into a diamond of dreams. The Speedway Classic, a neutral-site matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, delivered a gritty contest and a unique experience for fans who returned Sunday after Saturday’s rain delay — and nearly witnessed a ninth-inning comeback.
The Braves emerged victorious, 4–2, thanks to a pair of towering home runs from outfielder Eli White, who drove in all four of Atlanta’s runs and earned MVP honors for the game. White’s first blast — a three-run shot in the second inning — gave Atlanta a 3–1 lead and marked the first MLB home run ever hit in the State of Tennessee, and at a NASCAR racetrack. His second, a solo homer in the seventh, extended the Braves’ lead and sent the custom “Home Run Car” around the track for a second celebratory lap.
Cincinnati threatened in the bottom of the ninth, bringing the tying run to the plate with one out. But a sharply hit grounder ended the rally — and the game — leaving the Reds just short of a storybook finish.
The setting was as much a star as the players. Bristol Motor Speedway, nestled in the Appalachian hills, became the latest in MLB’s growing list of unconventional venues. Following the success of the Field of Dreams game in Iowa, the Fort Bragg military showcase, and the Rickwood Field tribute in Alabama, the Speedway Classic continued the league’s push to connect with fans in places where baseball isn’t just a pastime — it’s part of the fabric.
For blue-collar fans across Kentucky, Tennessee, and the broader region, the event was a homecoming. The grandstands, typically filled with racing diehards, were packed with families in Reds gear, many of whom made the drive from coal towns and hollers to witness big-league ball in their backyard. After Saturday’s rain delay, they came back in force — hats on, arms folded, ready for another round.
On the field, the Reds showed flashes of the resilience that’s kept them in the playoff hunt. Elly De La Cruz, the team’s offensive spark plug, leads the club with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs. Spencer Steer added his 13th homer of the season earlier in the series, and Matt McLain continues to contribute despite a recent slump.
Pitching was a patchwork effort. Chase Burns opened Saturday with a clean first inning before the rain hit, and Brent Suter, Lyon Richardson, and the bullpen carried the load Sunday. Despite the loss, the Reds’ arms kept the game within reach, giving the offense a chance to strike late.
As of Sunday evening, the Reds sit at 58–54, placing them 8.5 games back in the NL Central and 3.5 games behind the final Wild Card spot. With just over a month left in the regular season, every game — and every run — carries weight.
But beyond standings and stats, the Speedway Classic will be remembered for its spirit. It was a game that honored tradition while embracing innovation, bringing baseball to a place where the echoes of engines gave way to cheers for the home team. For the fans who returned after the rain, it was proof that baseball still belongs to the people — especially those who wear their loyalty like a badge and their team colors like a second skin.
The Reds now head to Chicago for a huge series with the Cubs.
