by Murat Karul
In a thrilling baseball match, the Atlanta Braves emerged victorious over the St. Louis Cardinals with an 8-5 score on Thursday, putting an end to their three-game losing streak and securing a win in the series.
The star of the game was Matt Olson, who showcased his incredible hitting prowess by homering for the fourth consecutive game. His pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when he launched a massive 410-foot home run to center field, breaking a 3-3 tie. This impressive feat marked Olson’s league-leading 47th home run of the season, bringing him within striking distance of the team record set by Andruw Jones in 2005, which stands at 51 home runs.
Ronald Acuna Jr. was another standout performer for the Braves, contributing with a pair of solo home runs. He started the game with a bang by hitting a leadoff home run, and in the sixth inning, he added his 34th homer of the season. Notably, this marked Acuna’s sixth leadoff home run of the year and the 32nd of his career. He also achieved his 12th multi-homer game, the third of this season.
The Braves’ power surge continued with contributions from Michael Harris II, who added a solo home run, his 14th of the season, in the sixth inning, and Travis d’Arnaud, who belted a two-run homer, his 11th, in the seventh inning. Remarkably, the Braves collectively hit an astounding 11 home runs over the course of the three-game series, with 10 of them being solo shots.
Max Fried, the Braves’ starting pitcher, played a pivotal role in securing the victory. He went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out four batters and walking two. His performance earned him the win, bringing his season record to an impressive 7-1.
On the opposing side, St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright had a challenging outing, lasting 5 2/3 innings and giving up six runs on eight hits. This game marked his final career appearance against the Braves, the team that had originally drafted him in the first round of the 2000 draft.
The game got off to an explosive start, as the Braves scored three runs in the first inning, setting a franchise record with a total of 129 runs this season. Acuna led the charge with a solo homer, and Eddie Rosario contributed with a two-run double.
In the second inning, the Cardinals fought back and managed to tie the game. Andrew Knizner was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Tommy Edman drove in two runs with a single. Notably, a video review reversed the initial out call on Nolan Gorman at the plate.
In a heated moment during the sixth inning, St. Louis’ pitching coach Turner Ward was ejected from the game for arguing balls and strikes.
The Braves’ victory not only ended their losing streak but also showcased their formidable hitting power and determination to succeed in the series.
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