Atlanta witnessed an impressive display of hitting power as Matt Olson led the charge for the Braves, blasting a grand slam among his three hits, helping secure an 8-3 victory against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night.
Additionally, Braves’ Sean Murphy contributed with a three-run homer, while Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies each notched two hits. However, the pre-game announcement cast a shadow as news emerged that right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach would be sidelined due to a broken elbow.
Returning to action from an 80-game suspension, left fielder Jurickson Profar made a significant impact for the Braves, going 2-for-4, including a home run and scoring twice.
Pitcher Aaron Bummer (1-1) secured the win with 2 2/3 flawless innings in relief of rookie Didier Fuentes. Meanwhile, on the Angels’ side, center fielder Jo Adell extended his hitting streak to 13 games by delivering a crucial two-run single in the first inning, and Jorge Soler marked a career milestone with his 200th home run in the ninth.
The game shift occurred during a pivotal sixth inning with the Braves trailing 2-0. Murphy faced reliever Ryan Zeferjahn and launched a 406-foot home run over left field, bringing Profar and Albies home. Following more offensive pressure with Harris’s single and walks to Nick Allen and Ronald Acuña Jr., Olson seized the moment to hit his ninth career grand slam, sending the ball into the stands near the Chop House restaurant.
Unfortunately for the Angels, second baseman Christian Moore left the game with a left thumb injury sustained while diving for a ball hit by Albies.
A defining moment in the game was Olson’s grand slam, traveling 358 feet off a 97 mph fastball from Zeferjahn. This marked the Braves’ second grand slam in a four-game stretch after not achieving any in the previous 81 games of the season.
For Zeferjahn, the sixth inning was challenging; he faced six batters without recording an out, allowing two home runs, two singles, and walking two, escalating his ERA from 4.78 to 6.19.
The series finale will feature Braves’ right-hander Bryce Elder (2-5, 5.82) against Angels’ right-hander José Soriano (5-5, 3.99) in Atlanta.
Home Olson's Slam Ignites Braves' Big Inning in 8-3 Triumph