Matt Olson Crushes Grand Slam as Braves Explode for 7-Run Inning to Defeat Angels 8–3
Matt Olson powered the Atlanta Braves to victory on Wednesday night with a grand slam and three total hits, leading the charge in a massive seven-run sixth inning that helped the Braves take down the Los Angeles Angels, 8–3.
Sean Murphy added a three-run homer of his own, while Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies each collected a pair of hits. The win came on a night of mixed emotions for Atlanta, as the team announced earlier that rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach would be placed on the injured list due to a fractured elbow.
Returning from an 80-game PED suspension, Jurickson Profar made an immediate impact, going 2-for-4 with a home run and scoring twice in his first game back.
Reliever Aaron Bummer (1-1) earned the win after delivering 2 2/3 perfect innings in relief of 20-year-old rookie starter Didier Fuentes.
The Angels struck first, with Jo Adell extending his hitting streak to 13 games thanks to a two-run single in the opening frame. Jorge Soler later launched his 200th career home run in the ninth inning.
Atlanta turned the game on its head in the bottom of the sixth. Down 2-0 with two outs, Murphy blasted a 406-foot home run off reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, scoring Profar and Albies to give the Braves the lead. After singles and walks loaded the bases, Olson launched a grand slam—his ninth career slam—into the Chop House seats on a 97 mph fastball.
The blow was devastating for Zeferjahn, who failed to record an out while facing six batters. He surrendered two homers, two singles, and two walks, sending his ERA spiraling from 4.78 to 6.19.
The Braves now go for the series win Thursday, with RHP Bryce Elder (2–5, 5.82 ERA) set to face off against Angels’ RHP José Soriano (5–5, 3.99 ERA) in the finale at Truist Park.
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