The Atlanta Braves broke a six-game losing streak on Saturday night, defeating the Colorado Rockies 11-8 at Coors Field. The victory was powered by Matt Olson, who hit two home runs and drove in a career-high six RBIs, and supported by homers from Marcell Ozuna and Jorge Soler.
**Key Moments and Performances:**
– **Matt Olson’s Impact:** Olson played a pivotal role, launching a two-run homer off Rockies’ pitcher Angel Chivilli in the seventh inning to break an 8-8 tie. This marked Olson’s second two-homer game in his last ten, with his previous multi-homer game occurring against Milwaukee on July 31.
– **Jorge Soler’s Contribution:** Soler added insurance in the eighth inning with a solo home run, his second consecutive game with a homer. He finished with three hits and three RBIs.
– **Marcell Ozuna’s Hot Streak:** Ozuna homered for the third straight game, continuing his power surge during a critical time for the Braves.
– **Sam Hilliard Shines for Rockies:** For the Rockies, Sam Hilliard was a standout, recording a homer, two doubles, and a career-high five RBIs. His three-run homer in the second inning initially put the Rockies on the board, and he tied the game 5-5 with a two-run double in the third inning.
**Game Summary:**
The game featured back-and-forth scoring, with both teams taking and losing the lead multiple times. The Rockies tied the game at 8-8 in the sixth inning after a two-run double by Ezequiel Tovar and an RBI single from Brenton Doyle. However, Olson’s seventh-inning homer ultimately secured the victory for the Braves.
**Pitching Highlights:**
– **Pierce Johnson’s Crucial Relief:** Former Rockies pitcher Pierce Johnson (5-4) earned the win for the Braves, pitching 1 1/3 innings and striking out Kris Bryant with the go-ahead runner on second base to end the sixth inning.
– **Max Fried’s Milestone:** Braves starter Max Fried, making his second appearance after returning from the injured list, struck out nine over five innings. Despite allowing five runs (four earned), he retired the final seven batters he faced and joined elite company by becoming one of only three Braves pitchers to reach 800 career strikeouts in 160 games or fewer, alongside John Smoltz and Julio Teheran.
– **Raisel Iglesias Seals the Win:** Braves closer Raisel Iglesias secured his 24th save in 26 chances, closing out the ninth inning without incident.
**Injury Updates:**
– **Braves:** Outfielder Ramon Laureano exited the game in the fourth inning due to a heel injury sustained while beating out an infield single in the third. Michael Harris II, who is recovering from a left hamstring injury, had a strong rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett and is expected to rejoin the Braves on Wednesday.
– **Rockies:** Cal Quantrill’s start was delayed due to forearm soreness, and outfielder Nolan Jones, recovering from a back injury, continued his rehab with a homer and a double for Triple-A Albuquerque. Left-hander Chasen Shreve was designated for assignment to create a roster spot for starting pitcher Dakota Hudson.
This victory allowed the Braves to avoid their longest losing streak in nearly eight years and maintain their momentum as they seek to solidify their position in the playoff race. The Rockies, on the other hand, have now lost 10 of their last 11 games against the Braves at Coors Field.