Marcell Ozuna's 10th-inning RBI seals a wild 12-11 Braves win over the Reds on Aug. 1, 2025, after an 8-run comeback and a stunning 9th-inning homer.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just one day after General Manager Alex Anthopoulos publicly committed to Marcell Ozuna, the Big Bear rewarded that faith by delivering a game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to cap off an absolutely bonkers 12-11 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. In a game that featured a historic 8-run comeback, a gut-punch tying homer, and 30 combined hits, the Braves proved they can win ugly, leaning on the very player their GM refused to trade.
12-11 Final. 10 Innings. 30 total hits. An 8-run 8th inning erased. Friday's game wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
You can't make this stuff up. Down by a touchdown late, the Braves erupted for an incredible eight runs in the top of the 8th inning, seemingly putting the game away. Matt Olson and Austin Riley delivered clutch hits, and the lineup looked unstoppable. But the Reds, powered by their home park, roared back, culminating in a 3-run, game-tying homer by Spencer Steer in the 9th. It was a gut punch that would have deflated most teams. But not this one. In the 10th, Ozzie Albies, who had a monster 4-hit night, got things started before Ozuna played hero, securing a win that felt like three.
Marcell Ozuna's game-winning RBI was the perfect punctuation to a week dominated by his name. GM Alex Anthopoulos told the media he received significant interest in the DH but ultimately decided Ozuna's offensive production and clubhouse leadership were too valuable to part with. AA is playing the long game, looking at the team's contention window for both 2025 and 2026. Keeping Ozuna was a bet on his bat, and it paid off immediately. This win, powered by the man at the center of the deadline drama, validates that strategic decision in the most dramatic way possible.
The victory was even more impressive considering the team just placed superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. on the 10-day IL, with no firm timetable for his return. Jarred Kelenic was recalled from Gwinnett to help fill the massive void in the outfield. To bolster a pitching staff that allowed 17 hits to the Reds, the Braves officially added veteran Carlos Carrasco to the roster. They also made a depth move, acquiring shortstop Jim Jarvis from the Tigers. These aren't blockbuster deals, but they are classic Anthopoulos moves designed to fortify the roster for the grueling months ahead.
What a 24 hours. The Braves showed their trademark resilience in a chaotic win, proving they can manufacture runs even without their superstar. But the bullpen's fragility and the void left by Acuña are real concerns. The additions of Carrasco and Jarvis are crucial depth pieces for a team that will need to scratch and claw for every win down the stretch. If Friday night is any indication, buckle up. It's going to be a wild ride to October.
