Why not enjoy a little of the power surge while the Braves keep stacking wins?
Atlanta has now reached the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons, but 2025 has been a rough ride overall. The club did not exactly throw a wild party after clinching the spot, with the celebration in the dugout and clubhouse described as pretty muted. Still, there was plenty worth revisiting from the homers before the Braves close out the final three needed in the NL East Division magic number.
One of the night’s biggest swings came with Michael looking to take advantage of Daikin Park in Houston and those Crawford Boxes, which sit about 200 feet from home plate. The ballpark can make left-field power play up in a hurry, and that seemed to be the idea behind the swing.
The dugout liked that one.
Ronald Acuña followed with a blast of his own, a rocket that came off the bat with the kind of loaded-up look that makes the whole moment feel inevitable.
Gonna beat that chest. gonna celebrate.
Matt Olson’s power chase was also part of the story, with his work drawing attention again. The focus landed on his fortieth homer, another reminder of the historic pace he has been putting together.
Hey, he’s not above peekaboo.
That’s where the ball hit.
Even after the win, the tone stayed restrained, just as expected.
Matt is still annoyed at that pitch location.
Still, there was at least one smile in the mix.
Hey, I’m smiling and having a good time even if Matt refuses to show it. with the last word.
In Other News...
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Austin Riley, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Strider all fit into that uneasy conversation for different reasons. Riley has had a disappointing offensive season despite the long-term contract on his ledger, Lopez has battled injuries and inconsistency, and Strider has fought through injury while searching for his sharpest form. None of that means a move is inevitable, but it does leave the Braves with a complicated set of decisions if they decide the easiest path forward is not to keep every major piece in place. [Read more 🡒]
Braves Are Honoring A Franchise Figure Who Helped Shape Atlanta Baseball
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Braves Just Delivered The Late-Season Win Fans Needed
Ronald Acua Jr. gave the Braves exactly the kind of lift they needed in a late-season push, breaking open the game with a go-ahead grand slam as Atlanta finished off a 6-3 win and sealed the series victory. It was the sort of complete night that has mattered so much down the stretch, with quality starts from Grant Holmes and Hayden Wesneski helping keep the game on Atlantas terms from start to finish.
At 91-64, the Braves are now close to clinching the NL East title, and the timing of this win only adds to its value. The rotation has steadied, the lineup delivered in a big moment, and the club is suddenly lining up the final stretch with a little more breathing room and a lot more momentum. [Read more 🡒]