Braves' run of 6 straight NL East titles ends with 4-3 loss to Marlins

MIAMI (AP) — The Atlanta Braves' run of six straight NL East titles ended Friday night with a 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins as Jake Burger singled and doubled.

Atlanta (83-71) cannot mathematically win the division and trails by two games back for the last NL wild-card spot. The Braves have eight games left, including three at home against a New York Mets team they are trying to overcome.

"What we do is we worry about today,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We're going to want to go 1-0 tomorrow. We control our own destiny, and we need to win the rest of them. We're down to eight, and we need to take care of business tomorrow.”

Kyle Stowers also singled and doubled for Miami (57-97), on track for its worst record since going 57-105 in 2019.

Valente Bellozo (3-4) allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings and Anthony Bender, Lake Bachar, Declan Cronin and Jesus Tinoco combined for two-hit relief. Tinoco got three straight outs for his second save.

Charlie Morton (8-9) gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings and threw a run-scoring wild pitch in the fifth. He is 0-2 in his last three starts.

Ozzie Albies, a switch-hitter batting right-handed only, was 0 for 4 in his return from a fractured left wrist that had sidelined him since July 21.

Burger hit a run-scoring ground-rule double in a three-run first that included Stowers' RBI single and Jonah Bride's sacrifice fly.

“The story of that game was the first inning," Morton said. "If I walk a couple guys, give up a couple hits, run my pitch count up or whatever, that's fine. Got to the fifth inning and I felt like I was in a position where I could limit that run, and I didn't.”

Added Morton: “It's like the first inning, you look back and it's like ‘man.’ But there's still a lot of baseball to be played. If I could limit them to three (runs) through six (innings), that's OK considering I gave up three runs in the first. So to give up that run in the fifth was more troubling and more frustrating than the ones in the first.”

Ramon Laureano and Orlando Arcia homered off Bellozo, with Laureano's 404-foot drive to center cutting Atlanta's deficit to 4-3 in the sixth. Former Marlin Jorge Soler had a sacrifice fly in the third.

The Marlins bounced back from a 20-4 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday, when star slugger Shohei Ohtani homered three times and stole two bases to become the first major leaguer with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season.

“It speaks a lot to the guys in this clubhouse," Cronin said, "especially the pitching staff. We agreed to flush it and go after the Braves and try to spoil another playoff (contender’s) run. What you saw today was a perfect example of what baseball is all about. It doesn’t matter what you did the night before. You have another opportunity to come out here and compete.”

Burger was voted the Marlins' most valuable player for the 2024 season by South Florida's chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Cronin was voted top rookie.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Braves: INF Cavan Biggio was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in the corresponding move as Albies was activated.

Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara (Tommy John) is playing light catch. ... RHP Eury Pérez (Tommy John surgery) began light throwing at 45 feet.

UP NEXT

LHP Max Fried (9-10, 3.49) will start the second game of the series for the Braves on Saturday against Marlins RHP Adam Oller (1-4, 5.40).

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Atlanta Braves' Ramón Laureano runs after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Marlins' Connor Norby (24) slides into second base as Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) drops the ball during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Atlanta Braves' Ramón Laureano reacts after he is tagged out by Miami Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez (61) during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez (61) and center fielder Kyle Stowers celebrate at the end of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez (61) and center fielder Kyle Stowers celebrate at the end of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Marlins pitcher Valente Bellozo (83) aims a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton (50) aims a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Marlins' Kyle Stowers (28) hits a single during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Atlanta Braves' Ramón Laureano celebrates a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Atlanta Braves' Ramón Laureano (18) hits a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Miami Marlins' Jake Burger (36) hits a single to left field during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

PARIS (AP) — As Notre Dame gears up to reopen its doors in December, Paris is on the verge of a remarkable eco-revival, bringing nature back to the forefront of the City of Light.

Beyond restoring the cathedral's iconic spire and medieval charm, the city announced plans Tuesday to revamp Notre Dame's surroundings — to a tune of 50 million euros ($55 million) — into a serene, green oasis.

The project echoes a broader, post-Olympics eco-facelift that’s reshaping Paris from its historic monuments to its bustling avenues.

Among the key elements of this broader transformation are the revitalization of historic spaces like the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde, a redesign aimed at reducing traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, and green promenades connecting the French capital's landmarks.

Here's a look at some of the eco plans for Paris in the coming years:

The reopening on Dec. 8 promises to be a historic moment for Paris, fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron’s vow made after the devastating 2019 fire for a five-year timeline. While the cathedral’s spire and oak-framed roof have been restored to their prefire glory, Paris City Hall's plans for the area around Notre Dame are bringing something new.

The ambitious, future-facing project will create 1,800 square meters (around 20,000 square feet) of green space and plant 160 trees, according to a news conference at City Hall that featured speeches from Paris officials, including mayor Anne Hidalgo on Tuesday.

Hidalgo stated that the redesign will integrate nature and the Seine more fully into the area. Hidalgo emphasized that this transformation aims “to better highlight our beautiful cathedral and do it justice, while respecting its history.”

The redesign includes transforming the underground parking area into a visitor space complete with services and amenities. Additionally, the Seine’s adjacent quays will be revitalized, offering a new promenade along the river. A belvedere will provide panoramic views of the Ile Saint-Louis and the Seine, further enhancing the visitor experience.

The project will unfold in two phases, with the first, focusing on the parvis and surrounding streets, expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The second phase, which will include the renovation of Square Jean-XXIII and other nearby areas, is set to finish by 2030.

At the heart of Paris, the Place de la Concorde — home to the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk — will undergo a significant overhaul between 2026 and 2027.

Paris officials have enlisted the input of a dozen architectural experts to envision how to preserve its rich history, while aligning the plaza with the city’s modern green ambitions. Expect more greenery and less traffic as the revamp balances historical significance with a fresh eco-friendly design.

Not everything has been a picnic in Paris’s post-Olympics makeover.

Two of France’s most high-profile female politicians — Hidalgo and Culture Minister Rachida Dati — are engaged in a fierce battle over the future of the Eiffel Tower, casting a shadow over the city’s plans for its famed monument.

Hidalgo has proposed to keep the Olympic rings affixed to the Eiffel Tower beyond the Games, which ended in August. She argues that the rings symbolize the “festive spirit” of the successful Paris Olympics and wants them to remain at least until the next Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Critics, however, say Hidalgo is using the Eiffel Tower as a political billboard to boost her image before the 2026 mayoral election, in which she is expected to face off against Dati.

Dati has been vocal in opposing the plan, arguing that the tower is a protected heritage site and can't be altered without proper consultation. She has accused Hidalgo of using the monument as a “personal campaign poster,” while Hidalgo counters that the rings are a harmless tribute to Paris’ Olympic success.

Dati has gone further, launching an ultimatum to push for the Eiffel Tower to be classified as a full historical monument — something Hidalgo has resisted. This would add extra layers of bureaucratic protection and control, potentially thwarting Hidalgo’s plans.

Paris’ Champs-Elysees, sometimes called “the most beautiful avenue in the world,” is receiving a 30-million-euro facelift, beginning with the renovation of its sidewalks, tree bases, and gardens that began in preparation for the Olympics.

With 150 proposals to “re-enchant the Champs-Elysees” over the coming years, this project aims to add even more green spaces and revive its historic charm, reinforcing its reputation as the world’s most beautiful avenue.

Changes to the Arc de Triomphe’s bustling roundabout are designed to reduce traffic flow and calm the surrounding environment.

Traffic lanes encircling the famous monument will be trimmed, while the central ring will be widened, allowing for a quieter, more accessible space.

Leading from the Arc de Triomphe to the Bois de Boulogne, the Avenue de la Grande Armee is also getting the green treatment. Authorities plan to recreate a historic green promenade, transforming this major traffic artery into a lush, tree-lined boulevard that reconnects the avenue with the nearby forest, historically converted into a public park in the 19th century under Napoleon III.

Paris’ Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited, will undergo its own transformation under the “Louvre 2030” project.

Though specific details remain sparse, the project aims to address the growing influx of visitors, with a significant redesign of Place du Louvre planned to help manage the crowds and provide a more tranquil, green environment for visitors.

FILE - People line up to have a close look of Notre Dame cathedral as they visit the rebuilding site during Heritage Day in Paris, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

FILE - Scaffolding is being removed around the spire of Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, showing the rooster and the cross, in Paris, Feb. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

FILE - People walk past Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, April 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, FILE)