The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds competed at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, marking MLB's first game played in the state of Tennessee. Initially scheduled to commence at 7:15 p.m. ET, the matchup encountered delays due to inclement weather and ultimately began with a first pitch at 9:40 p.m. ET. However, the game could not progress beyond one full inning before being interrupted once again by weather-related issues, leading MLB to announce that the remainder of the contest would resume on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Cincinnati's Chase Burns took the mound and successfully navigated a scoreless first inning. In contrast, Braves pitcher Austin Cox faced four batters in the bottom of the first before the game was suspended. Cox managed to strike out TJ Friedl but subsequently allowed hits to Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Austin Hays. Hays's hit brought in McLain, giving the Reds an early 1-0 lead. The game is set to resume with one out in the bottom of the first, featuring runners on first and second base.

The event was further distinguished by a pregame introduction from actor Liam Neeson, while players honored the occasion with special uniforms and accessories. Notable Grammy Award-winning musicians Tim McGraw and Pitbull performed a concert prior to the game and also visited with the Reds in their clubhouse. In a noteworthy appearance, All-Star starting pitcher Andrew Abbott donned a unique sleeveless race suit that was autographed by Rusty Wallace, the 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion. Prior to the game’s commencement, players from both teams enjoyed a ride around the track, and the lineup introductions embraced a special NASCAR theme. Bristol Motor Speedway, known for accommodating 146,000 spectators during NASCAR events, saw a significant turnout, with over 85,000 tickets sold for the evening. Reds manager Terry Francona expressed his admiration for the venue, noting the impressive construction of the ballpark and how the stands are designed to face inward towards the field. The contest holds particular significance for Cincinnati, which finds itself 3.5 games behind the final National League wild card spot, with a current record of 58-53, and 8.5 games trailing the Milwaukee Brewers for the top position in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Braves sit at the No. 4 spot in the NL East with a record of 46-63.