Braves offense looks alive again in third straight win

This monstrous frame, however, looked remarkably like the club of 2023. Jarred Kelenic, playing in the center and up front, fired a two-point shot against Ryan Pepiot. After second baseman Ozzie Albies drew a walk, designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and first baseman Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers.

A 1-0 deficit turned into a 5-1 lead in a series of twists and turns. These are the Braves everyone has been waiting for in 2024. And with three straight encouraging performances, it appears the team’s main hitters are getting rejuvenated.

“We have so many talented guys here,” Kelenic said. “Once we got a little momentum going, it felt like the game was kind of over.” Once we took the lead, and especially the big dogs coming behind me, they capitalized and had a big run there. Just a little momentum and I was excited.

2. Olson’s recent run hasn’t generated much national attention, especially after his slow start, but he has been phenomenal. Olson was hitting .344 (11-for-32) with a .963 OPS over his last eight games before going 2-for-4 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, third baseman Austin Riley hit three home runs heading into the weekend. He’s hit two in the last two nights, including a three-run homer off Garrett Cleavinger on the seventh Saturday.

“It was good to see Austin have back-to-back really good days,” manager Brian Snitker said. “And Matt too.”

3. Kelenic’s role has continued to grow throughout the season. Leading in a left field platoon with Adam Duvall, Kelenic became the everyday outfielder after Ronald Acuña tore his ACL. He is now the central defender in the absence of Michael Harris II due to a left hamstring strain. And while he was bought into the idea that he would bat low down the order, Kelenic is also the lead man, with Acuña and Harris absent.

“I’m just trying to take it one player at a time,” Kelenic said. “That’s what I’ve been doing all this year. This allows me to be present in the dressing room. This keeps me from getting too big or letting the lows get too low. This allows you to stay balanced and play chess against the thrower.

Kelenic looked a natural at center, showing off his speed and athleticism to track down fly balls. In the leadoff role, he had three hits, including the home run. Kelenic’s .738 OPS ranks third among healthy Braves behind only Ozuna (1.021) and Olson (.794).

4. Harris has grade 2 strain, MRI revealed. The team has no timetable for his return.

“They (hamstring strains) are all different; it takes time to get to where they can get it (healthy),” Snitker said.

Newcomer Ramon Laureano, called up from Triple-A Gwinnett following Harris’ injury, went 1 for 4 with a run scored. It also had some loud pops, with exit velocities exceeding 100 (including one that traveled 394 feet).

Laureano will have the opportunity to make a positive impression and earn consistent playing time in this shorthanded outfield.

“It’s always good when a new guy comes in, gets a hit and scores a run,” Snitker said. “When they can contribute, it’s really good. I really saw this guy. He’s a good baseball player and he’s a very energetic guy, I can tell. These were the reports from Triple-A. It’s really nice to have a guy with that kind of experience.

5. Veteran Charlie Morton, against his former team, limited the Rays to one run on three hits in six innings. Morton lowered his ERA to 3.91 in 13 starts during his age-40 season.

Stat to know

3 — The Braves hit three home runs in the fifth inning, the second time this season they have hit three home runs in a single game (also done on May 10 in New York)

Quotable

“In the last two games, we got out of (our difficulties) a little bit. It’s really exciting because we’re moving in the right direction. – Kélénic

Following

Hurston Waldrep (0-1, 17.18) will make his first start at Truist Park against Rays right-hander Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.06).