Momentum Brewing? Braves Beat Phillies, Strider and Acuña Updates Give Hope

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 11: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves circles the bases 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)

We’ve Got Hope, and Here’s Why

You all know the story. The Atlanta Braves have gotten off to one of the worst starts in franchise history, and the odds haven’t exactly been in our favor. But before you hit the panic button, pump the brakes. Last night’s series-clinching win over the Phillies was a reminder that this team still has the pieces and ability to play some solid baseball and get the job done.

It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t have to be. In the 11th inning, Austin Riley came through with a clutch RBI double to tie things up, setting the stage for Marcell Ozuna to blast a 413-foot walk-off homer to send Braves fans that stuck around through the 2:44 minute weather delay home smiling. The 4–2 victory marked just Atlanta’s third win of the season, but more importantly, it showed grit and that this team isn’t giving up.

Now, there are still some real concerns. Hitting with runners in scoring position and finding a consistent bullpen presence top the list. That said, the bullpen actually looked as sharp as they have in 12 games. Several times the Phillies were in position to take control, but timely strikeouts and well-placed outs gave the Braves a shot late.

Raisel Iglesias handled the ninth, working around a two-out walk to keep the score locked and give Atlanta a chance in extras. Then in the 10th, newly acquired Rafael Montero stepped onto the mound for his Braves debut and delivered in a massive way. The veteran right-hander struck out both Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos with the go-ahead run in scoring position, flashing poise and power in one of the game’s biggest moments.

José Suárez took over in the 11th and worked out of a bases-loaded jam, keeping the door open just long enough for the bats to break through.

As for hitting, Atlanta’s struggles are no secret. The Braves are batting just .218 as a team, 21st in the majors. Even more glaring, they are leaving an average of 4.25 runners on base per game, ranking 28th. Scoring runs has been a grind. They are averaging just over three runs per contest, next to last in the league. That has to change if this team is going to climb back into the mix.

Let’s talk about reinforcements. Spencer Strider looks ready to return. He dominated during his rehab stint with Gwinnett, capped off by a 13-strikeout performance yesterday in Norfolk. In 13.2 total innings on rehab assignment, he allowed just two runs. Sure, Triple-A isn’t the same level, but he looked like his old self. The Braves could see him back in the rotation as early as next week, at least that is what the hopes are.

There’s also good news on the Ronald Acuña Jr. front. According to Brian Snitker’s press conference, Ronald will head to Los Angeles next week to meet with his surgeon. If all goes well, he will be cleared to begin on-field drills, with hopes of rejoining the team sometime in May. That is the kind of spark this offense could desperately use.

The Braves open up a road series against the Rays tonight. It is another test, but if Atlanta can build on the momentum from Thursday’s win and get healthier in the weeks ahead, there is still plenty of baseball left to believe in. The start was rough, no doubt. Having said that, do not count this group out, not yet. There will be more highs and some lows, that is baseball, but there are still 150 games left to go.