Overview

• Morton opened the game at Truist Park and worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings, finishing by striking out Alexander Canario before receiving a prolonged standing ovation and a curtain call.
• The Braves re-signed the 41-year-old on Sept. 22, a day after Detroit released him, with the announced plan for a ceremonial start to close the season.
• Chris Sale agreed to follow out of the bullpen, throwing 5 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts and one run allowed after taking the ball from Morton on the mound.
• Atlanta beat Pittsburgh 4-1 behind Ronald Acuña Jr.’s first-inning two-run homer, with the bullpen securing the final outs to end a disappointing season on a winning note.
• Morton said retirement is “100% my intention,” and his appearance made him the 71st player used by Atlanta this year, setting an MLB single-season record as the Braves missed the postseason for the first time since 2017.