The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds faced off at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, marking the first MLB game played in the state of Tennessee. Although initially scheduled to commence at 7:15 p.m. ET, the game experienced significant delays due to inclement weather, ultimately starting at 9:40 p.m. ET. However, the contest was unable to complete a full inning before facing another weather interruption, leading MLB to decide that the remainder of the game would be played on Sunday, with action set to resume at 1 p.m. ET.

Chase Burns took the mound for Cincinnati, delivering a scoreless first inning. In contrast, Braves pitcher Austin Cox faced four batters before the game was suspended. Cox struck out TJ Friedl but subsequently allowed hits to Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Austin Hays, who drove in McLain to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. Upon resuming, the game will continue with one out in the bottom of the first inning and runners on first and second base.

The game also featured a pregame introduction by actor Liam Neeson, contributing to the special atmosphere. Players from both teams showcased their creativity through their uniforms and accessories, while Grammy Award-winning musicians Tim McGraw and Pitbull performed a concert prior to the game, engaging with Reds players in their clubhouse. Notably, All-Star pitcher Andrew Abbott attended the event wearing a sleeveless race suit signed by Rusty Wallace, the renowned 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion. Players from both teams were driven around the track prior to the game, enhancing the unique experience. Bristol Motor Speedway, which typically seats 146,000 for NASCAR events, accommodated over 85,000 fans for the baseball game, despite some seats being covered. Reds manager Terry Francona expressed admiration for the stadium's design, notably stating that it was impressive how the stands face inward, creating a captivating environment. This matchup holds significance for Cincinnati, currently positioned 3.5 games back from the final National League wild card spot with a 58-53 record and trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 8.5 games for the top spot in the NL Central. In contrast, the Braves occupy the No. 4 position in the NL East with a 46-63 record.