MLB-best Braves ready to reset, then begin real work

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Braves went into the All-Star break after a forgettable 10-4 defeat against the Rays on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field but still holding MLB's best record at 60-29.

As eight Braves boarded a charter flight for Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Seattle -- and the others splintered in different directions for much-anticipated rest and relaxation -- even one of the season’s flattest performances couldn’t erase the memorable glow of a record-setting first half.

• The Braves are 27-5 since June 3.

• They have captured 11 consecutive series.

• When catcher Travis d'Arnaud slammed a solo home run in the fourth inning, Atlanta set a Modern Era (since 1900) franchise record by homering in its 26th consecutive game.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said he’s relishing the time away to get recharged and ready for the second half, when the club’s expectations will clearly be winning the National League East title and making a run toward the World Series.

“It will be nice to get away from this for a little bit,’’ Snitker said. “Maybe take a nap.’’

Compared to the club’s recent hot streak, Sunday afternoon was an exercise in sleepwalking.

From the start, it wasn’t meant to be for the Braves. All-Star right-hander Bryce Elder lasted only 3 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs on six hits with four walks.

The Rays -- who are an American League-best 58-35 -- snapped a season-high seven-game losing streak and an 0-for-July streak. They hammered Elder with a four-run first inning, which included Jonathan Aranda’s two-run double and Isaac Paredes’ two-run homer.

Elder was finished off by Yandy Díaz’s two-run homer in the fourth.

“Obviously, I didn’t want to go into the break like that,’’ Elder said. “I think there’s going to be [bad days] like that, and today was one of them. So I’m not going to look too much into it. I’m going to reflect on it and think about why I didn’t have as much success, then move on.’’

Snitker said he won’t think much about Elder’s performance, either. In his previous four starts, Elder was 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA.

“Things just weren’t happening good for him, and it was just one of those days,’’ Snitker said. “His stuff was a little flat. He was having a hard time making pitches, and that’s going to happen [occasionally].

“Bryce is such a professional. He conducts himself so well and goes about it the right way. It’s fitting he made the All-Star team, and he deserved that based on what he has done to this point.’’

After the break, Snitker said the Braves’ real work will begin. His players agreed: The first half set the table well, but now the job must be finished.

“Having a great first half was awesome,’’ Elder said. “But the second half is where you really get stuff done. It seems like everyone here has their eyes on the prize. I think everyone understands what the goal is, and it’s really cool to see [players working for that] every day.’’

“What we have done so far is really, really rare,’’ d’Arnaud said. “This is my first time -- and I’m coming up on 10 years [in MLB] -- to be in a situation with 60 wins before the All-Star break. The coolest thing is we all joke around with each other, then we flip the switch and focus every single day. It’s a really special group that is doing special things. We’re ready for that to continue in the second half.’’