ATLANTA (AP) – Matt Olson propelled the Atlanta Braves to an 11-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night, delivering a crucial two-run homer off Slade Cecconi during a six-run sixth inning.
The Guardians initially led the game 2-1 until Ronald Acuña Jr. tied it with a homer in the sixth. Following a single from Drake Baldwin, Olson’s 441-foot blast struck the top of the Chop House restaurant roof in right field, putting the Braves ahead 4-2.
Key Contributions in the Sixth Inning
Olson’s home run marked his fourth of the season. After his hit, Dominic Smith contributed with a run-scoring single off Cleveland’s Matt Festa, who was on the mound. Michael Harris II concluded the inning with a two-run homer that sailed over the Braves’ bullpen in right-center, capping a productive sixth inning.
Braves’ Offensive Performance
The Braves showcased a powerful offense with seven hits, including three home runs, during the sixth inning alone, ultimately accumulating a total of 15 hits throughout the game.
Pitching Insights
Slade Cecconi (0-2) faced challenges, allowing five runs-four earned-on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. In contrast, Atlanta’s Tyler Kinley (2-0) delivered a perfect sixth inning, maintaining the team’s momentum.
Game Highlights and Records
Atlanta’s right-hander Bryce Elder had previously not allowed an earned run this season until Kyle Manzardo hit a one-out homer in the fourth inning, tying the game at 1. A passed ball by Guardians catcher Bo Naylor in the third inning allowed Acuña to drive in Smith with a broken-bat single.
Smith excelled in the game, driving in two runs and achieving three hits. Cleveland added three runs off right-hander José Suarez in the eighth inning.
Series Context and Uniform Debut
Both the Guardians and Braves, leaders in their respective divisions, are the only teams in Major League Baseball without a series loss this season. Additionally, the Braves unveiled their City Connect powder blue uniforms, inspired by the team’s 1980s look, and fans received Dale Murphy No. 3 jerseys as part of the celebration.
Upcoming Matchup
In the next game, Cleveland’s Parker Messick (1-0, 0.82) is set to face Atlanta’s Martín Pérez (0-0, 3.86) in a matchup of left-handed pitchers on Saturday night.