Braves Offense Surges Late, Evens Series Against Reds

The Atlanta Braves stepped up at the plate to keep the team's playoff hopes alive on Wednesday night

The Atlanta Braves rebounded nicely, thanks to some late-inning contributions from the offense, as they defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 to even the series at Great American Ballpark.

Here’s what you need to know from the contest.

Spencer Schwellenbach gave the Braves EXACTLY what they needed

It was another great out for the young Braves Starter on Wednesday night as Spencer Schwellenbach picked up his tenth quality start of the year.

At one point toward the end of his start in the bottom of the sixth inning, it felt like the meltdowns we have seen lately by this team was imminent as Reds star Elly De La Cruz picked up a triple off a misplay in the outfield by Jorge Soler and a hit batsman put runners at the corners with no outs. However, Schwellenbach battled and fought his way out with only one run allowed to keep Atlanta in it.

He finished with just that one run allowed on the evening on five hits across six innings of work. He picked up five strikeouts and allowed two walks on 94 pitches. He recorded ten whiffs with a 28% CSW.

The drought is finally OVER

Finally.

Marcell Ozuna found his power once again against the Reds to regain the lead for Atlanta and helped surge the Braves offense to a pivotal victory. Ozuna snapped a 26-game home run drought on Wednesday when he sent a 3-0 count deep in the top of the seventh inning. The Braves designated hitter saw four fastballs from Reds reliever Tony Santillan and sent the only one that made it in the strike zone 403 feet to center field.

Early today, Lindsay dropped a deep dive on how Ozuna’s approach has struggled during this recent slump mostly due to his lack of fastballs seen at the plate. The Reds relief core must have forgotten to check their email.

Not only did Ozuna break the nagging homer drought, but he also recorded his 100th RBI of the season on his next at-bat when Eli White scored from first base when the ‘Big Bear’ hit a double down the left field line.

Leadoff for good?

We might have an interesting competition next season, one that should be considered a ‘good problem to have.’ Who will be the leadoff hitter heading into 2025? Although many may think the return of Ronald Acuna Jr. would be the easy answer, I’d argue we might want to pump the breaks on that notion.

Since the injury to the reigning NL MVP, the Braves have played musical chairs with determining who can hold down the important role. No one had the answer until Michael Harris II returned from his hamstring injury. Since then, he has solidified the top of the batting order.

Tonight was no different as he only went 1 for 5 from the plate, but his hit was a pivotal homer to extend the lead to 5-1. Adding on to ensure the team could snap a three-game losing streak is exactly what was needed from a team that was struggling.

No ground lost is a win in itself

Consider it keeping pace.

Unfortunately, all teams ahead of the Braves in the NL Wildcard race won on Wednesday, so Atlanta will remain two games outside the final spot for the playoffs. The hitting display from the Braves bats must continue heading into the finale on Thursday and into the weekend to finish the team’s final road trip of the regular season.

What’s Next

The Atlanta Braves will be looking to take the series and continue their chase back into a wildcard spot with only 10 games remaining. The first pitch for the series finale at Great American Ballpark is scheduled for 1:10 pm EST. Chris Sale will be on the mound for Atlanta for his first start in his career at Cincinnati.