Rookie Drake Baldwin's 6 RBIs lead the Braves to a 9-5 win over the Giants on July 22, snapping a 5-game skid. See how Baldwin & Acuña Jr. dominated.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Finally, a reason to celebrate at Truist Park. Just when the summer gloom seemed to be settling in for good, rookie catcher Drake Baldwin delivered a jolt of pure electricity, driving in a career-high six runs to lead the Atlanta Braves to a much-needed 9-5 win over the San Francisco Giants, snapping a brutal five-game losing streak.
'I just wanted to put a good swing on it and help the team win.'
Let's be clear: this was Drake Baldwin's night. The rookie catcher looked like a seasoned veteran, single-handedly dismantling the Giants' pitching. His bases-clearing double in the third inning broke the game open, and his three-run homer in the seventh was the exclamation point. While Baldwin provided the thunder, Ronald Acuña Jr. brought the lightning, scoring three runs and swiping two bags in a classic performance. Starter Davis Daniel, himself a recent call-up from Gwinnett, battled through 5.1 innings to earn the win, giving the Braves just enough to hold on. After five straight losses, this offensive explosion was exactly what the doctor ordered.
The action wasn't limited to the field. Earlier in the day, the front office made a move to bolster the pitching staff, acquiring right-hander Dane Dunning from the Texas Rangers for RHP Jose Ruiz and cash. Dunning, who brings experience as both a starter and long reliever, offers crucial depth for a rotation that has been hit hard by injuries. The move came with a bittersweet pill, however, as fan-favorite Jesse Chavez was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot. It's a tough business, and saying goodbye to Uncle Jesse is never easy, but it's a clear signal that the team is still pushing to find the right mix.
More help is on the way. All-Star third baseman Austin Riley completed his fielding drills and is expected to be activated from the injured list as soon as Tuesday, a massive boost for the heart of the lineup. His return can't come soon enough. The team also made a move behind the plate, purchasing the contract of veteran catcher Sandy León from Triple-A Gwinnett. It's another example of the Gwinnett-to-Atlanta pipeline working overtime, with players like starter Davis Daniel and now León stepping up to fill critical roles.
One win doesn't erase a 43-55 record, but Tuesday night felt different. It was a glimpse of what's possible when the young guys step up and the stars play like stars. With Austin Riley's bat returning to the lineup and a new arm in Dane Dunning joining the fold, the Braves will look to build on this momentum. The question now is, was this a one-night spark, or the start of a real turnaround? The next few games will tell the tale.
