Marcell Ozuna leads the Braves with three hits, including a home run, in a 9-2 win over the Rays. The Braves hit four homers in the game, continuing their offensive resurgence.
Bollywood Fever: Marcell Ozuna had three hits, including one of four home runs, as the Atlanta Braves continued their offensive resurgence with a 9-2 rout of the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.
Key Performances
- Marcell Ozuna: Three hits, including a 423-foot home run, and two RBIs, bringing his NL-leading total to 62 for the season.
- Jarred Kelenic: In his first game batting leadoff after a hamstring injury to Michael Harris II, Kelenic went 3 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs.
- Austin Riley: Hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning.
- Matt Olson: Contributed his 11th home run of the season.
Pitching Highlights
- Charlie Morton: Allowed one run on three hits over six innings, striking out eight, walking two, and hitting two batters. He also picked off a runner at first.
- Ryan Pepiot (Rays): Suffered his first road loss of the season, giving up five runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out four.
Game Recap
The Braves’ offense, the most prolific in the majors in 2023, found its stride after struggling through May and early June. Saturday’s game, with a temperature of 94 degrees in Atlanta, saw the Braves hit four home runs for the first time since April 19. The team has scored 22 runs in their last three games after managing just 16 in the previous seven games.
The Rays scored first in the opening inning with a sacrifice fly by Josh Lowe, driving in Brandon Lowe. Randy Arozarena added a solo home run in the ninth inning, but the Rays’ offense couldn’t keep up with the Braves.
Pepiot started strong with four scoreless innings but struggled in the fifth. The Braves’ three-home run barrage began with Kelenic’s shot to right field, followed by Ozuna’s and Olson’s home runs, breaking the game wide open.
Injury Updates
- Rays: Infielder José Caballero missed the game due to illness.
- Braves: Michael Harris II was placed on the 10-day IL with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The Braves called up veteran outfielder Ramón Laureano, who went 1 for 4 on Saturday.
Upcoming Game
Braves rookie RHP Hurston Waldrep (0-1, 17.18 ERA) will make his second Major League start against Rays RHP Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.06 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday.
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