For the second straight night at Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves broke the hearts of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Just like with Friday night's win, nobody watching Saturday's contest felt confident about Atlanta's chances until the late innings, but when presented an opportunity, the Braves offense and pitching staff took advantage.
Following a second straight rough outing from Max Fried, the Braves bullpen only gave up one run over the final 5 2/3 innings, keeping the game in check for an offense ready to explode. Atlanta trailed by deficits of 6-0 and 8-2, but started chipping away at the deficit in the fifth inning with a moonshot from Marcell Ozuna.
Marcell Ozuna - Atlanta Braves (4) pic.twitter.com/fM8Rm7y3e3
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) April 7, 2024
In the seventh, Atlanta cut down the Arizona lead to just one run, thanks to RBI from Matt Olson and Austin Riley. And after a Jarred Kelenic single leading off the eighth inning for the Braves, Ronald Acuna eventually delivered a clutch single that tied the game. He also crucially advanced to second on the play.
After falling behind 6-0, @RonaldAcunaJr24 and the @Braves have tied it 8-8! pic.twitter.com/MBAxK08F36
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2024
With the speedy Acuna in scoring position, Ozzie Albies moved over the Braves right fielder on a groundout to first. When Austin Riley stepped to the plate, the Braves finally stopped toying with their food and took the lead outright on an RBI knock, causing the Truist Park crowd to erupt in cheers.
For the Ri-LEAD!@austinriley1308 | #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/ZHhiQJx17Y
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2024
While the Braves were unable to add any insurance runs, closer Raisel Iglesias shut down the Diamondbacks in the ninth, closing out a save and ensuring a series win for an Atlanta team that simply refuses to quit, no matter how dire circumstances may seem in the early innings. That's an encouraging sign for a team whose starting pitching has struggled so far and it proves just how dangerous Atlanta's offense can be. The model may not be sustainable for an entire season, but Braves fans certainly don't mind a couple extra ticks in the win column.
The Braves and Diamondbacks finish up their three-game series on Sunday at Truist Park. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. ET, with the Braves aiming for a series sweep.
The series is ours!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/nPLaEqp7w7
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2024
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