Big Bear Bomb: Ozuna’s Walk-Off Lifts Braves in Late-Night Thriller

Published By: Gavin James & Charles Mays

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 11: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by his teammates after hitting a two run walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning during the MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on April 11, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire)

A Pivotal Series Finale at Truist Park

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies rolled into Truist Park for the final showdown of their three-game series. After the Phillies squeaked out a gritty 4-3 win the night before, the Braves were determined to take the series in front of their home crowd. On the mound, the young Spencer Schwellenbach (1-0) looked to keep his perfect record intact, while the seasoned Jesus Luzardo (2-0) aimed to spoil the party for the Phillies.

But little did they know, the real opponent wasn’t just each other—it was Mother Nature herself.

A Strong Start for Atlanta

Schwellenbach wasted no time setting the tone, carving through the Phillies in a flawless 1-2-3 first inning with a strikeout to get the Braves rolling. The home team wasted no time either as Austin Riley worked a walk, Marcell Ozuna ripped a double to left, and Matt Olson did just enough with a groundout to bring Riley home. Just like that, the Braves were on the board, leading 1-0.

Schwarber Strikes Back

Schwellenbach kept his momentum rolling, allowing just one hit in the second while picking up two more strikeouts. Meanwhile, Bryan De La Cruz started Atlanta’s half with a scorching double to right, but the rally fizzled after a failed bunt attempt.

Then came the third inning. Schwellenbach gave up a leadoff single to Bryson Stott, but an inning-saving double play erased the danger until Kyle Schwarber stepped to the plate. One swing, and the ball was launched 429 feet into the Atlanta night, crashing over the center field wall. Just like that, we had a tie game at 1-1.

The Braves had their chances in the bottom of the inning, knocking three singles, but they couldn’t cash in.

Tightrope Walking on the Mound

The fourth inning saw Schwellenbach work around two hits, showing the composure of a veteran despite only being in his second start of the year. De La Cruz, proving to be the most consistent bat for Atlanta on the night, roped another single in the bottom half, but once again, the Braves left him stranded.

The Phillies came knocking in the fifth, loading the bases after a Trea Turner double and an intentional walk to Bryce Harper. With Nick Castellanos at the plate and the tension rising, Schwellenbach locked in, blowing a fastball past him for a huge strikeout to escape the jam.

In response, the Braves’ bats went completely silent, going down in order in their half of the fifth.

The Calm Before the Storm

Schwellenbach continued to battle in the sixth, allowing a single before the Braves defense turned a slick 1-4-3 double play to end the inning. But the offense still couldn’t find its spark, going down 1-2-3 in the bottom half.

Then, just as the seventh inning was about to start, the skies opened up. The rain came pouring down, and the game went into a delay, leaving everyone at Truist Park wondering—would this one even get finished?

Weather Delay Ends, Play Resumes

The teams waited out the 2:44 weather delay and returned to play around 11:30 PM. Aaron Bummer took the mound for the Braves and quickly got through the seventh inning.

Missed Opportunity in the Seventh

Carlos Hernandez came in for the Phillies in the bottom half of the seventh. Jarred Kelenic and Nick Allen both reached base, but with two on and two outs, Ozzie Albies struck out, stranding the runners.

Bummer's Exit and Santos Steps Up

Entering the eighth inning, Bummer returned to the mound but faced only Bryce Harper. After issuing a leadoff walk, Bummer’s night ended. Enyel De Los Santos relieved him and immediately struck out Nick Castellanos, who went down swinging for the fourth time in the game. Harper stole second to move into scoring position and advanced to third on a deep fly-out by Max Kepler. However, Harper remained stranded as J.T. Realmuto flew out to left for the inning’s final out.

Romano's Dominant Inning

In the bottom of the eighth, Philadelphia brought in Jordan Romano, who quickly set down the Braves in order, moving the game into the ninth.

Iglesias Keeps Braves Alive

Raisel Iglesias took the mound for Atlanta for the third consecutive game and efficiently retired the Phillies in order, giving the Braves a chance to walk it off in the bottom half.

Extra Innings Drama

Matt Strahm took over pitching duties for the Phillies and, despite lengthy at-bats, the Braves were retired in order, sending the game into extra innings.

Montero's Impressive Debut

Rafael Montero entered for his Braves debut in the 10th, with Johan Rojas starting at second base for the Phillies. Rojas advanced to third on a Kyle Schwarber groundout. Montero delivered a huge strikeout to Trea Turner, bringing up Bryce Harper with two outs. The Braves intentionally walked Harper, and Castellanos struck out for the fifth time of the night, chasing a nasty slider from Montero.

Braves Can't Capitalize

Tanner Banks entered the game for Philadelphia, and Michael Harris II laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Kelenic to third. Nick Allen then grounded out sharply to third, failing to advance Kelenic, who was stranded after another Albies groundout. The Braves continued their struggles hitting with runners in scoring position, unable to drive in the winning run from just 90 feet away.

Phillies Take the Lead

José Suarez took the mound for the Braves in the 11th inning, with Castellanos starting on second base for Philadelphia. Max Kepler grounded out, moving Castellanos to third. Suarez intentionally walked Realmuto, putting runners at the corners with one out. Alec Bohm flew out to Michael Harris in center, who fired a rocket throw to hold Castellanos at third. With two on and two outs, Suarez loaded the bases by walking Bryson Stott. Suarez then lost Rojas on another walk, forcing Castellanos home to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead. Kyle Schwarber ended the inning by flying out to the right-field warning track. Atlanta entered the bottom of the 11th inning down to their final chance.

Big Bear's Thrilling Walk-off Finish

Joe Ross relieved Tanner Banks, with Albies starting at second base for Atlanta. Austin Riley stepped up to the plate looking to spark something, and he delivered. Riley crushed an RBI double off the right-field wall, scoring Albies to tie the game. Then came the thrilling finish, Marcell Ozuna crushed a Joe Ross slider deep over the left-field wall for a dramatic walk-off home run just before 1 AM ET to win 4-2. WALK-OFF BIG BEAR! BRAVES WIN THE SERIES!