Braves Riding Momentum Into Desert Showdown With Arizona

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Atlanta catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a three-run home run during the MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves on April 8th, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

The Atlanta Braves have been trending in the right direction, closing out a six-game homestand with a strong 5-1 record. As they head west to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, the hope is that their recent mojo makes the trip as well. Whether or not the teams Atlanta just defeated are considered top-tier, it doesn’t matter. In baseball, you control what you can, and that means showing up and playing the games. Nothing is won on paper. It’s an old cliché, but it holds up. A Braves win is a win, regardless of the opponent.

Now, how they’ve been winning is both frustrating and entertaining. On one hand, it’s aggravating to watch them go half a game without capitalizing on scoring chances. The bats go cold in clutch moments, and rallies often stall before they really get going. In yesterday’s 4-1 victory over the Cardinals, the Braves went 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Ideally, you want to see that number a little higher, maybe 4-for-7. However, when you win, the shortcomings fade, at least for a day. The truth is, finding ways to win, even when things aren’t perfect, is a trait of good teams.

The Braves have developed a knack for late-game drama, something that’s become part of their identity. This group seems to thrive in the late innings, coming to life just when fans are about to give up hope. Rallying in the eighth or ninth inning has become almost expected, and it’s one of the reasons this team is so entertaining to watch. That rollercoaster ride of highs and lows keeps people tuned in until the final out.

Atlanta’s home run production has been a bright spot during this stretch. Austin Riley and Sean Murphy have been swinging the stick for the fences often, with six each; followed by Albies, Olson, and Ozuna, each with four. The Braves currently sit in the top 10 in the majors with 32 homers, which just so happens to currently tie them with the team they’ll face next, the Arizona Diamondbacks. That sets the stage for an intriguing weekend series in the desert.

The opener is set for Friday at 9:40 PM EDT from Chase Field in Phoenix. The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network and can be heard on 680 The Fan. Atlanta will turn to veteran left-hander Chris Sale, who enters the matchup with an 0-2 record, a 6.17 ERA, and 32 strikeouts over 23.1 innings pitched. His last outing came on April 19 against the Twins, where he lasted 4.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits while striking out eight. It’s been a rocky start to the season for Sale, the 2024 NL Cy Young winner, who has yet to complete more than five innings in a game this year, something that’s rare for him.

Sale will go up against Arizona’s Zac Gallen, who has also had a bumpy start. Gallen is 1-3 with a 5.60 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 27.1 innings. In his last start on April 19, he surrendered six runs in the first two innings, finishing with six total innings pitched. That rocky start doomed the Diamondbacks in a 6-2 loss.

Arizona is an offensive threat, with Corbin Carroll leading the way. Carroll already has nine home runs and 22 RBIs on 33 hits. The Diamondbacks excel at extra-base hits, leading all of Major League Baseball in that category, converting just under 43 percent of their hits into doubles, triples, or home runs. That aggressive hitting style could test Sale and the rest of Atlanta’s pitching staff. Eugenio Suárez, although struggling with a .155 average, has still managed six home runs and could be a problem if he finds a rhythm.

Merrill Kelly is a veteran that’s given Arizona a 3-1 record in five starts this season, with a 4.73 ERA, and has 21 strikeouts to 11 walks. His last time out was April 20 at the Cubs, and he went 5.2 innings, giving up one run on two hits. His ERA is a little elevated due to the Yankees thrashing him on April 3. He gave up nine runs with three home runs in just 3.2 innings that day. Kelly has since settled down, providing long outings for the Diamondbacks his last three times out. Atlanta is set to send out Grant Holmes to face off against Kelly, Saturday. I am looking forward to Saturday and Sunday’s pitching matchups for sure.

Brandon Pfaadt has been their most consistent starter. He just turned in a strong outing against the Rays, going six innings and allowing just one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Pfaadt is now 4-1 on the season with a 2.73 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 29.2 innings. What’s even more impressive is his control, giving up just five walks across five starts. He’s precise and effective, relying on pinpoint command and a tight sweeper that generates weak contact. He’s scheduled to face Atlanta’s Spencer Schwellenbach on Sunday, and that matchup has all the makings of a classic pitcher’s duel.

Atlanta’s bullpen has been a major reason for their recent success. The relievers have stepped up repeatedly, often covering multiple innings without allowing any runs. One standout has been Daysbel Hernández. He holds a 3-0 record, a 0.71 WHIP, and an impressive 1.62 expected ERA—ranking in the 98th percentile leaguewide. Opponents have only managed a 26.7 percent hard-hit rate against him, a testament to his command and deception. If the Braves can give their bullpen a lead to work with, it’s a major advantage.

That said, Atlanta needs to ease the pressure on its starters. Too often, the offense fails to support them early in games, forcing them to be nearly perfect. While the team has managed to escape with wins lately, that kind of formula isn’t sustainable for the long haul. The Braves need to find ways to score earlier and build momentum without waiting until the seventh or eighth inning.

This weekend’s series will be a true test of where Atlanta stands right now. If Chris Sale can give them something solid Friday night, and the offense can provide even modest support, the Braves are in good shape to take that game. That leaves them needing just one more win in the next two to take another series. Against a well-rounded Arizona team, that’s easier said than done, but this Braves team has shown lately that they’re finding ways to get it done.