A pivotal seven-run sixth inning propelled the Atlanta Braves to an 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night at Truist Park. Matt Olson’s grand slam highlighted the offensive outburst, which turned a two-run deficit into a decisive lead and helped even the three-game interleague series heading into Thursday’s finale.
The Braves entered the contest as moderate favorites, with betting lines placing them around -135 on the moneyline, while the Angels were listed at approximately +115. The odds tightened after it was confirmed Atlanta would be without rookie right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach, who was placed on the injured list before the game due to a fractured right elbow. This adds to the Braves’ ongoing injury challenges, especially in the starting rotation.
Olson delivered the biggest night blow in the bottom of the sixth, sending a 97 mph fastball from Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn into the right field stands. The 358-foot shot, his ninth career grand slam, followed a series of baserunners that included a single by Michael Harris II and consecutive walks to Nick Allen and Ronald Acuña Jr. Olson’s slam was Atlanta’s second in four games after going homerless with the bases loaded through the season’s first half.
Earlier in the inning, Sean Murphy had already sparked the rally with a three-run homer that tied the game at 2-2. Murphy’s 406-foot drive to left came immediately after Zeferjahn entered in relief of starter Jack Kochanowicz. Zeferjahn would allow six baserunners without recording an out, giving up two home runs, two singles, and two walks, causing his ERA to spike from 4.78 to 6.19.
Braves reliever Aaron Bummer earned the win, improving to 1-1 on the season. The left-hander delivered 2 2/3 perfect innings in relief of 20-year-old rookie Didier Fuentes, who allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings in his third major league start. Fuentes kept the game within reach, giving Atlanta an opportunity to mount their comeback.
On the other side, Jo Adell extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a two-run single in the first inning that gave the Angels an early 2-0 lead. Adell has been a consistent presence at the plate for Los Angeles, providing much-needed production. Jorge Soler added a solo home run in the ninth, the 200th of his career, but it was too little,e too late for the Angels.
Los Angeles also lost rookie second baseman Christian Moore in the sixth inning after he injured his left thumb while diving for a ground ball off the bat of Ozzie Albies. Moore’s hand bent awkwardly on contact with the turf, and he exited the game immediately for evaluation.
Jurickson Profar, recently reinstated from an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use, contributed a two-hit night for Atlanta, including a home run and two runs scored. His return to the lineup provides a welcome boost for the Braves’ depth.
The series concludes Thursday with Atlanta set to send right-hander Bryce Elder (2-5, 5.82 ERA) to the mound. The Angels will counter with right-hander José Soriano (5-5, 3.99 ERA), as both teams aim to secure the rubber match before heading into their weekend series.
