Roads Less Traveled: Mt. Mitchell, NC

By

-

August 21, 2022

This week we’re throwing it back to a post from August 1, 2015. I had recently made my first visit to the highest point east of the Rockies and was excited to share this place with all my fellow North Georgians. Since then I have camped and hiked all over this peak and ones surrounding it, including one snow summit in early 2020. It will always remain one of my favorite places in the southeast and I hope you get the chance to visit one day.

At any rate, here’s Mt. Mitchell.

Located north of Asheville, NC in the heart of the Black Mountain Range, Mt. Mitchell claims it’s stake as the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Standing tall at 6,684ft (1900ft higher than Brasstown Bald), it harbors a different kind of climate than anywhere else in the Appalachians. The highest temperature ever recorded atop Mitchell is a mere 81º and the lowest all time is -34º. It rains just over 6ft per year on average, with 90.8″ of snow. It rains 42% of the days in a year and is cloudy or foggy more often than that. This fairly cold/wet climate allows a very rare spruce/fir forest to thrive. If you travel to Mitchell, you will be stepping into forests more like those of southeastern Canada than the southeast United States.

The mountain is accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville (plenty of signs) and is part of the Mount Mitchell State Park. There are several high-elevation hiking trails through the fir and spruce forests, but the primary trail is the 1/4 mile paved trail from the parking area to the summit of Mitchell. An observation deck awaits at the top, and the views are incredible.

View from the observation deck looking north

The short, paved trail from the parking lot to the observation deck

A view of the abundant Frasier firs near the summit

Frasier Firs (of Christmas tree fame) grow in abundance near the top, and are nearly the only tree type in many areas.

The elevation sign on the summit, with Mt. Craig and Big Tom in the background

Also located within the Black Mountains lie 5 other peaks which all fall into the top 10 highest on the east coast. I have summited Mount Craig (2nd highest, approximately 1 mile away) and Big Tom, which are both accessed via the very strenuous Deep Gap Trail. This is one of the most amazing trails I have ever been on, however I recommend it only for those who are very physically fit as you have to climb over many boulders, some of which are quite slick, and there are many very steep sections. The moss covered logs and thick stands of spruce/fir are amazing to see, and unlike any other forest in the 2000+ miles of the Appalachians.

Deep Gap Trail

The View from the summit of Mt Craig

Flowers growing between the boulders

Overall, Mt. Mitchell is one of the most incredible places I have ever visited, and is definitely worth a visit if you are ever near Asheville. Craggy Gardens (which you’ll see soon enough) is located just a few miles away and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway has a ton of interesting hikes/overlooks.

One of the major problems these high elevation forests face is habitat destruction from humans. When you are there, stay on marked trails and don’t litter. The rare plants and animals that call this place home are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, and a single footstep can cause irreversible damage to some. In addition, if you ever visit any areas where spruce trees grow, notice the number that are dead. This is due almost exclusively to acid rain, which over the years killed the vast majority living atop places like Clingman’s Dome and Mitchell. These places are beautiful and rare, so please use caution when visiting them.

As a bit of an elevation junkie, this hike was on the top of my bucket list and I was glad to complete it earlier this spring, though the weather conditions on my first trip to the top were less than optimal (one of the more than 50% of cloudy days, unfortunately).

For more information, you can visit the state park’s page here.

I’ll be back with more soon.

See you on the road…..~TW

God in Nature

By

Dan Payne

-

August 21, 2022

Autumn in GSMNP 019 — Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains (photo by Dan Payne)

Job 12:7-10: “Ask the animals and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”

I retired from the Army in 2005 after serving as a Chaplain to soldiers and families. After my retirement, I was blessed to be hired by the National Park Service as a Park Ranger. In my role as a Ranger, I began to experience God differently. Much of the Bible was revealed to me in a new way.

Throughout the Bible, we realize that God speaks to us in the ocean waves, the skies, fields and flowers and even the singing of the birds. God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen through the world He has created. (Romans 1:20) Nature is one of God’s great creations and in nature He is able to teach us, speak to us and provide for us.

One day while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (over 900 miles of hiking trails), I sensed that mankind is still attempting to build the Tower of Babel. Man builds theme parks, water parks, ballparks and animal parks…yet I’ve yet found anything to compare with God’s park!

Nature is a reminder of God’s greatness and goodness, says Dan. This bear sighting in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was a thrill no theme park could beat. (photo submitted)

What do you do when you feel down, discouraged or disillusioned? May I suggest you turn off the electronics, turn off the television and spend some time in God’s park? I believe it will soothe your soul and refresh your spirit. Man will never improve on what God has created. Spending time with God in nature can help us free our challenges.

I am not suggesting we substitute our worship of God in our churches for worship of God in nature. I am suggesting we allow nature into our worship of God as it reminds us of God’s goodness. Need I remind you that Jesus often used nature to make a spiritual point? Read His parables and perhaps you’ll gain a better understanding of the importance of nature in our relationship with God.

____________

Former U.S. Army Chaplain and Park Ranger, Dan Payne.

About the author: Dan Payne is a decorated U.S. Army veteran and former Park Ranger. He enlisted in the military in 1969 and later attended the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. After graduating, he rejoined the military and served as a U.S. Army chaplain from 1982 to 2005. After retirement, Dan embarked on a second career, working as a seasonal Park Ranger with the National Park Service for 17 years. He worked at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. In 2021, Dan was inducted into the U.S. Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning. Originally from Lagrange, Georgia, Dan and his wife Jo now live in Blairsville.

Olson’s check-swing double in 11th helps Braves top Astros

By

Paul Newberry, AP Sports Writer

-

August 21, 2022

Travis d’Arnaud — Atlanta Braves Travis d'Arnaud is doused after a walk off single in the eleventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

ATLANTA (AP) — The last thing Matt Olson wanted to do was hit the ball.

Then he saw it heading for a spot in the infield where no one was standing.

Sometimes, hit ’em where they ain’t works just as well as smacking it over the wall.

Olson’s check-swing double to left with the infield shifted the other way brought home the tying run in the 11th for Atlanta, and pinch-hitter Travis d’Arnaud won it with a single through Houston’s drawn-in defense.

Rallying twice in extra innings, the Braves beat the Astros 5-4 Saturday night for their 11th win in 12 games.

The reigning World Series champions are still three games behind the NL East-leading New York Mets, but no team is playing with more confidence than the Braves.

“We don’t give up until the last guy,” d’Arnaud said. “It’s a contagious thing.”

The Astros scored two in the 10th, only to have Atlanta match them in the bottom half — with 21-year-old Michael Harris II providing the big hit with an RBI double before he came around to score on Robbie Grossman’s single through the shift.

Houston went back ahead on Jeremy Peña’s slow roller that brought home the go-ahead run, but the Braves rallied again.

This time, they ended it.

After Dansby Swanson was placed at second base against Ryne Stanek (1-1), Austin Riley walked. Olson tried to hold up his swing, but it worked out just fine when he sent a run-scoring hit through the abandoned shortstop hole.

“I was not happy to make contact,” Olson said. “Then I saw no one was standing there. I actually started laughing pretty quickly. Somehow, I wind up with a double.”

With runners at second and third and no outs, the Astros intentionally walked William Contreras. But d’Arnaud lined one past diving first baseman Yuri Gurriel to win it for the Braves.

“We’re playing some good baseball,” d’Arnaud said.

Jackson Stephens (2-2) earned the win by giving up an unearned run in the 11th.

“We fought, they fought,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “It was a great game to watch it you’re a fan.”

Both starters turned in strong performances, each going six innings and allowing only a solo homer.

Cristian Javier pitched two-hit ball for the Astros but again failed to get much offensive support. Houston has been held to two runs or less in 10 of his 23 starts, leaving him with a 7-8 record even though his ERA dropped to 2.88.

Rookie Spencer Strider surrendered three hits, walked two and struck out nine for the Braves. The growing popularity of the 23-year-old Strider, known for his thick mustache and 100 mph fastball, was evident from all the fans in the sellout crowd of 42,893 wearing fake ‘staches in his honor.

Atlanta’s Vaughn Grissom kept up his torrid hitting since being called up from the minors less than two weeks ago.

The 21-year-old launched one into the Astros bullpen in the fifth, giving him three homers in his first 11 big league games.

Grissom’s homer came after Peña went deep for Houston in the top half of the inning to break up the scoreless duel. The Astros shortstop drove one the opposite way, the ball just clearing the tall wall in right field for his 16th homer of the season.

Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was back at the ballpark, one day after shortness of breath led him to be taken to an Atlanta hospital for tests.

While doctors found no cause for his breathing problems, Houston held Alvarez out of the lineup Saturday and kept a close eye on him for any signs of further trouble.

Baker said Alvarez could return to the lineup as a designated hitter for the finale of the three-game series.

PITCHER’S DUEL

There was little indication of all the drama to come in extra winnings.

Through nine innings, the teams had combined with just seven hits and 21 strikeouts.

“When runs are at a premium, you know it’s going to take a big hit,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “They got some, we got one more.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Astros OF Mauricio Dubón wasn’t seriously hurt after crashing into the wall attempting to make a catch in the fifth inning of Friday’s game. Dubón was available Saturday but wasn’t used. “He’s better,” Baker said. “He hit in the cage.”

UP NEXT

RH Charlie Morton (6-5, 4.04) will take the mound for the Braves in Sunday’s series finale. He’ll be opposed by RH José Urquidy (11-4, 3.69, who is coming off 7 2/3 innings of one-hit ball in his last start against the White Sox. Urquidy has 10 consecutive quality starts since June 14, going 6-1 with a 2.64 ERA over that span.

Prep scores: Saturday football

By

Associated Press

-

August 21, 2022

High school football in Georgia capped off its first week on August 20. Here’s a look at Saturday’s prep scores:

Week 1: Aug. 20

Bayside Academy, Ala. 14, Elbert County 13
Brookwood 28, Norcross 24
Colquitt County 37, Deerfield Beach, Fla. 0
Darlington 28, Olympia, Fla. 16
Douglas County 52, Lithia Springs 13
Dutchtown 24, Stephenson 13
Grayson 32, Marietta 12
Hughes 47, Spartanburg, S.C. 16
Jones County 26, Northside-Warner Robins 21
Jonesboro 43, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro 13
Mays 35, Douglass 0
Mill Creek 44, Walton 41
Mt. Zion-Carrollton 34, Cleburne County, Ala. 17
North Gwinnett 32, McEachern 20
Pace Academy 20, Holy Innocents’ 17
Riverdale 62, North Clayton 0
Sandy Creek 38, Newnan 27
Starr’s Mill 16, East Coweta 4
Whitewater 27, Northgate 14

___

Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

Fire breaks out twice at same Hall County business

By

Joy Purcell

-

August 20, 2022

Atlanta Hwy. fire2 — A commercial building burns at 3526 Atlanta Highway/SR 13 in Hall County Saturday morning, Aug. 20, 2022. Two fires broke out at this same location eight hours apart. The county fire marshal is investigating. (photo Hall County Fire Rescue)

Hall County firefighters were called to a business on Atlanta Highway that burned twice within eight hours, officials say.

Around 11 p.m. Friday, firefighters extinguished a burning shed owned by Graceland Portable Buildings at 3526 Atlanta Highway. At 7:12 a.m. Saturday, they were dispatched to the same location and found the main commercial building fully involved.

“Once (firefighters) were able to flow water from above the structure, and make a defensive attack, the fire was knocked down and brought under control,” says Hall County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Kimberlie Ledsinger.

Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours Saturday morning. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office shut down several roads in the area as crews worked the scene.

The cause of the fires is unknown at this time. The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

Roadwork to cause traffic delays on GA 365 North near Lanier Tech

By

Staff Report

-

August 20, 2022

GA 365 repair — The right northbound lane of Highway 365 between Lanier Tech and Ramsey Road will be closed during the day for repairs Aug. 22-25. (GA DOT)

Drivers can expect to encounter some delays while traveling on GA 365 North in Hall County next week.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will be working between Lanier Tech Road and Ramsey Road Monday through Thursday. The right northbound lane will be closed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Crews will be working on concrete slab replacement and spall repair.

Drivers are cautioned to reduce their speed while traveling through work zones, stay alert, and watch for workers. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org, or downloading the Georgia 511 app.

Free community organ concert Sunday at First Presbyterian Clarkesville

By

Staff Report

-

August 20, 2022

First Presbyterian's organ — Work was recently completed on the Opus 14 pipe organ at First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville. The church unveiled the new organ in a concert in May. (Margie Williamson/Now Habersham)

First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville will host the second in its series of Concerts on the Hill this Sunday, August 21. The concert will feature Dr. Oliver Brett on the church’s new Opus 14 pipe organ.

Dr. Brett serves as the Associate Organist and Choirmaster at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta.

In addition to solo organ works, the concert will include music by First Presbyterian’s Festival Choir and congregational hymns.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the community. There will be a reception following the concert.

First Presbyterian is located at 181 Jefferson Street next to the Charm House in Clarkesville.

Greater Vision to perform free concert at Bethlehem Baptist Church Aug. 21

By

Margie Williamson

-

August 20, 2022

Greater Vision Gospel group — Greater Vision, among the most awarded groups in Christian music, will perform a free concert at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia, on August 21st at 5 pm. Everyone is invited.

The popular gospel group, Greater Vision, will be at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Sunday, August 21st, at 5 pm. The community is not only invited––it’s the reason behind the performance.

Carley Abner, the force behind the concert, wanted to do something for the people of Habersham County. “This is a good night of worship for the community,” Abner explains, “with the opportunity to hear probably the most awarded group in Christian music.” Bob Eagar, another supporter of the concert, agrees. “We want to bless the congregation and our community with this nationally known group.”

Greater Vision’s gospel message

Greater Vision started in 1990 and has been blessing audiences ever since with their beautiful harmonies. They’ve appeared across the globe, effectively communicating the gospel message, and performing 175 concerts each year.

The group was founded by Gerald Wolfe who also serves as its pianist. The trio includes lead singer Rodney Griffin, a multi-award-winning songwriter; Chris Allman, another prolific songwriter who is also known as Gospel Music’s Favorite Tenor; and baritone Jon Epley, the newest member of the group, who is also a songwriter.

Bethlehem Baptist Church is located at 624 Hwy 197 North in Clarksville, Georgia. The event is free, and a goodwill offering will be taken during the concert.

This article has been updated to reflect that the concert will be held on a Sunday

Edith White Goodson

By

Now Habersham

-

August 20, 2022

Edith White Goodson, age 84, of Alto, went home to be with her Lord and Savior after a short illness and a full life on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Edith was born October 20, 1937, to the late Beacher White and Mellie Segars White of the Hollingsworth Community in Banks County, Georgia. Edith was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Coy Goodson; her beloved daughter, Kathryn Eileen Goodson; sister, Peggy White Goodson; and brothers, Denver White and Dennis White, all of Alto.

She is survived by her son, Rex Edwin Goodson of Alto; granddaughter, Serena Goodson of Dahlonega; grandsons, Jason Goodson and Corey Goodson of Alto; five great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Willette White Mote of Demorest and Trudy White Galloway of Alto; brothers, Dan White (Sandy) of Gainesville and Phil White of Alto; brother-in-law, Ralph Goodson; sisters-in-law, Lavonne Goodson Martin and Margaret Goodson, all of Alto.

Edith was the matriarch of the Fort Hollingsworth-White House White family in Banks County. For the last several years she had held court on the shaded front porch of her home near the family homeplace. There, on that oasis surrounded by her many flowerpots, one could find rest from the modern-day rush and struggle. One frequent visitor remarked that “while sitting with Edith on her front porch…. all seemed right with the world”.

Edith loved to laugh, and the only thing she loved more than hearing a well-told tale, was telling one herself. For years she could be found spinning folklore on the grounds of Fort Hollingsworth-White House.

Edith was a descendant of the Segars clan on her mother’s side and it was well known the Segars women could be loud and lively. This natural voice amplification served her well for years as the choir director at Mt. Sinai Congregational Holiness Church. Her gusto and adoration in performing a song of worship were unrivaled this side of Glory.

Edith’s passion for prayer will be sorely missed in her family and community. Edith was a prayer warrior of the highest rank. She kept a prayer log and dutifully prayed for each entry every day. If you had a need, the place to be was at the top of her prayer list. Edith was beloved by her family and extended family alike, and her charm and wit will never be forgotten.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Rehoboth Congregational Holiness Church, formerly Mt. Sinai Congregational Holiness Church with Rev. Maggie Black and Rev. Drewery Loggins officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from noon until the service hour on Wednesday, at the church.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Fort Hollingsworth-White House, Friends of the Fort, c/o Willette White Mote, 660 Bethel Temple Road, Demorest, Georgia 30535.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin and Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Beast

By

Justin Hall

-

August 20, 2022

Last week it was Fall. Now, this week it’s Beast, another survivalist film that looks great and has a fair amount of thrills and suspense. With a great performance from Idris Elba at its center, this film keeps us invested even if the movie does go through familiar territory.

Elba plays Dr. Nate Samuels, a recently widowed father who decides to take his daughters (Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries) on a safari in Africa which is guided by his old friend (Sharlto Copley).

They all take in the lush deserts and small villages, but soon they discover one village has had all its people killed and then they find out that a ravenous lion is on the loose that will devour anyone or anything in its path.

Nate’s friend tries to kill the lion, but he ends up attacked and seriously injured. It isn’t long before the lion sets its sights on Nate and his family. I pretty much described all you need to know about the plot in a nutshell.

The rest of the movie follows what we might expect from a movie like this: The family tries to stay one step ahead of being killed, they’re badly injured in the process and they doubt whether they will make it out alive. That’s the formula for its 93-minute runtime.

I know that sounds like I’m criticizing Beast, but I was just describing it. If anything, it’s a well-made creature feature that does take its time to introduce the characters and even give us some smart thrills to go along with its bloody violence. And it does encourage itself to go right to the wall with its intense carnage at times.

Beast could also be described as one part Jaws, one part Jurassic Park and even a little bit of Anaconda for good measure. Films such as this are not that original. They’re designed to give the audience a disposable ride that’s fun in the moment and may resonate beyond that.

Still, Elba is very effective in his scenes as a father desperate to save not only his life but his daughters’ as well, and he’s fully equipped to face the dangers head-on. He becomes a superhero by circumstance, but it’s a role he plays with relative ease.

Those who don’t demand a whole lot more out of a movie like this will find it an enjoyable creature feature. Beast is derivative but fun.

Grade: B+

(Rated R for violent content, bloody images and some language.)

Tallulah Adventures Grand Opening: Wet weather, great music and lots of food

By

Margie Williamson

-

August 20, 2022

Tallulah Adventures food service — The covered spaces inside the cafe and bar were filled as Tallulah Adventures celebrated its grand opening on Friday. The celebration continues through this weekend with events daily, Aug. 20 and 21. (Margie Williamson/Now Habersham)

Tallulah Adventures kicked off its Grand Opening Friday. While the rain kept people off the climbing wall, the weather didn’t keep people from showing up.

Singer and guitarist J. B. Wolf provided the entertainment. Wolf plays country rock, classic rock, and southern rock, and he kept the music jumping under the pavilion. Tables were packed with dinners, the wait staff were jumping, and even a couple of dogs showed up with their owners.

The kitchen and bar were both open and were working hard to keep up with orders.

The Grand Opening continues Saturday and Sunday with a variety of activities, classes, and entertainment scheduled.

Several diners brought their well-behaved pets with them. (Margie Williamson/Now Habersham)

Tallulah Adventures is located at 11785 Highway 441, just north of the bridge across Tallulah Gorge. It’s open Saturday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. with three workshops and a cooking demonstration scheduled throughout the day. Steady Hand String Band will provide live entertainment from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

On Sunday, a yoga class will be offered from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. All activities will be available until 8 p.m., depending on the weather.

Read more about Tallulah Adventures here. For a complete listing of daily activities, go to Tallulah Adventures.

Riley, Wright lead Braves past Astros 6-2 in Series rematch

By

George Henry, AP Sports Writer

-

August 19, 2022

ATLANTA (AP) — Austin Riley hit a three-run homer off Lance McCullers Jr., Kyle Wright won his 15th game to tie for the NL lead, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Friday night in the teams’ first meeting since last year’s World Series.

The defending champion Braves have won 10 of 11 and are 51-20 since June 1, best in the majors over that span. AL-leading Houston had won six of eight and 10 of 15. The Astros are 41-21 since June 12.

“It’s just a matter of all of us putting it together, and we’re doing it right now,” Riley said. “We’re playing fun baseball right now.”

Houston left fielder Yordan Alvarez left the game in two outs in the bottom of the fifth. He reported feeling ill and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Alvarez is second in the AL in homers with 31 and leads the league in on-base percentage.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said the slugger was suffering from shortness of breath and was bothered by smoke from in-game fireworks.

“I’m glad we got him out when we did because I looked up and he was in the dugout and it was kind of a scary moment because it could be anything,” Baker said. “But they said he’s doing fine at the moment.”

Wright (15-5) was making his first start since Aug. 10 because of arm fatigue. He erased a one-out walk in the third on Jose Altuve’s double-play grounder and stranded Kyle Tucker, who tripled with two outs in the sixth, by retiring Trey Mancini on a comebacker. Wright allowed two runs and six hits with one walk and seven strikeouts in six innings.

“Like we say, if your starters are pitching the majority of the innings, you’re probably doing pretty good,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “They’re really confident they’ll work their way out of it.”

After taking three of four this week from the NL East-leading New York Mets, the Braves went up 3-0 in the third when Riley hit his 31st homer an estimated 409 feet to right-center. Riley’s 67 extra-base hits lead the majors.

Houston, which was coming off a 21-5 victory at the Chicago White Sox, missed a chance at an inning-ending double play on Dansby Swanson’s single when second baseman Altuve couldn’t handle shortstop Jeremy Peña’s flip throw at second and the ball bounced away.

Riley is the only player in the majors with at least 30 homers and 30 doubles. Swanson, who went 3 for 5 with two RBIs, began the game ranked second in the majors with 104 hits since May 23. He is batting .323 in that span.

McCullers (1-1) allowed three runs and seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts in five innings. He was making his second start since missing last year’s ALCS and World Series and the first 119 games of this season with a right flexor tendon strain.

“McCullers was good,” Baker said. “He was very good. They had two little cheap hits and then the one mistake was a big blast to Riley. This guy is one of the finer young players in the game, so it’s no harm when you give up one to him. He’s excellent.”

The Astros scored twice in the fifth to trim the lead to 3-2. Tucker hit his 22nd homer, a 445-foot shot to right-center. Wright gave up singles to Mancini and Chas McCormick before Altuve drove in Mancini with a single to left.

Phil Maton gave up a leadoff double to Michael Harris II in the sixth and walked Ronald Acuña Jr. before Swanson doubled off the wall in right-center to score both runners and make it 5-2. Matt Olson followed with a sacrifice fly.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Astros: Chas McCormick shifted to left when Alvarez departed, and Mauricio Dubon took over in center. … Dubon tried to stay in the game after crashing into the fence in right-center on Swanson’s double in the sixth. A trainer came out to see about Dubon, who soon left the game with left elbow discomfort. Baker said X-rays came back negative. Jake Meyers took his place. … Baker said the groin injury to INF Aledmys Díaz isn’t as bad as the team originally thought. Díaz was placed on the injured list on Wednesday.

WELCOME BACK

Astros LHP Will Smith returned to his former ballpark and faced four batters in the seventh. Smith was dealt to Houston at the trade deadline for RHP Jake Odorizzi.

NOT CAPACITY

Though both teams are in playoff contention, there were several thousand empty seats at Truist Park. The Braves announced a crowd of 42,837 and their 30th sellout of the year.

UP NEXT

Braves RHP Spencer Strider (7-4, 3.04 ERA) will face Cristian Javier (7-8, 2.96) as the teams play the second game of a three-game series.