Matt Olson’s Two-Run Homer Leads Braves to 6-2 Victory Over Marlins
Matt Olson broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning with a powerful two-run homer, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 6-2 win against the Miami Marlins on Saturday. This victory keeps the Braves just two games behind the New York Mets for the final National League wild card spot.
The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-3, denying Philadelphia the chance to clinch the NL East title.
In addition to Olson’s big hit, Gio Urshela and Jorge Soler also contributed home runs for the Braves. Marcell Ozuna and Michael Harris II each recorded three hits in the game.
Starting pitcher Max Fried delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs—only one earned—on five hits over six innings. With this win, Fried improved to 10-10 for the season, marking the fourth time in his career he’s reached double-digit victories. “I have two starts left, so you’ve got to dig deep,” Fried remarked. “I wanted to leave everything out there today.”
Olson’s go-ahead homer came off reliever Lake Bachar (0-1), marking his 29th of the season and giving the Braves a crucial lead. Urshela followed with a two-run homer of his own, putting the game further out of reach.
“I’m so happy for Matt and his accomplishments this season,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “He’s closing in on 30 homers and 100 RBIs, and Gio has such impressive power.”
Olson has been on fire lately, hitting 16 homers since July 27 and recording 28 extra-base hits since August 1. “I was just looking for something to drive,” Olson said about his pivotal homer. “He left a fastball over the plate, and I capitalized.”
Relievers Pierce Johnson, Joe Jiménez, and Raisel Iglesias each contributed a scoreless inning in relief. Harris also showcased his defensive skills, making spectacular catches to rob Marlins hitters of extra-base hits.
Olson previously put the Braves ahead 2-1 in the fifth inning with an RBI single. Ozzie Albies reached base and advanced on a walk to Ozuna, allowing Olson to bring him home with a line drive.
The Marlins managed to tie the game in the sixth when Jonah Bride scored from second due to a throwing error by Albies during a double-play attempt.
Miami initially took the lead with a run-scoring triple from Derek Hill in the first inning, but Soler quickly evened the score with a leadoff homer in the second. Marlins starter Adam Oller pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and eight hits while striking out seven.
“He was really good today, throwing a lot of first-pitch strikes,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker noted. “He showed he has the potential to succeed at this level.”
Injury Updates:
- Braves: RHP Reynaldo López (shoulder inflammation) participated in long toss as part of his rehab. He’s been out since September 10.
- Marlins: LHP Braxton Garrett will undergo an MRI after feeling discomfort in his elbow. He hasn’t pitched since June 17 and was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday.
Upcoming Game: The Braves will have RHP Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.84 ERA) on the mound for the series finale against RHP Darren McCaughan (0-0, 7.64).