The Braves crushed the Giants 9-5 on July 22, snapping a losing streak. Matt Olson & Austin Riley led a 5-run first inning in a much-needed offensive show.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Finally, a breath of fresh air. After a tough stretch, the Atlanta Braves came out swinging Tuesday night, putting up a five-spot in the first inning and never looking back, cruising to a much-needed 9-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park. It was the kind of offensive outburst fans have been desperate to see, providing a welcome reprieve and a reminder of what this lineup is capable of.
The Braves scored five runs in the first inning, setting the tone early and snapping a frustrating losing streak.
The game was practically decided before many fans had settled into their seats. The Braves erupted for five runs in the opening frame, chasing Giants starter Hayden Birdsong early. They added three more in the fourth to build an insurmountable lead. While Bryce Elder (4-6) wasn't perfect, allowing 12 hits, he battled to earn the win, thanks in large part to his offense. The Giants consistently threatened but couldn't get the big hit, leaving a small army of runners on base. Key offensive players like Matt Olson and Austin Riley contributed to the 8-hit attack, and for the first time in a while, the team played clean, error-free baseball to improve to 44-55.
While the big league club was taking care of business, the front office was finalizing it. The Braves announced the official signing of all 21 players selected in the 2025 MLB Draft. This is a massive infusion of talent into the farm system, headlined by top pick Tate Southisene, who inked a $2,622,500 deal. The class also includes 2025 Dick Howser Trophy winner Alex Lodise and, perhaps most notably, fifth-rounder Conor Essenburg, who signed for nearly $2 million—a significant over-slot deal that signals how highly the organization values his potential. This aggressive move shows a clear commitment to rebuilding the prospect pipeline for sustained future success.
In a minor but notable piece of roster management, the Braves traded recently designated outfielder Stuart Fairchild to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. Fairchild, who slashed .216/.273/.333 in 28 games for Atlanta, was removed from the roster to make space for veteran catcher Sandy León. Because Fairchild is out of minor league options, the Rays must keep him on their 26-man roster. It's a small move that closes the book on Fairchild's brief tenure in Atlanta and gives him a fresh start elsewhere.
While one win doesn't erase a tough season, Tuesday's performance felt like a victory on two fronts: a decisive win on the field today and a significant investment in the wins of tomorrow. With the entire 2025 draft class now officially in the fold, the organization has its eyes on the future. For now, though, the focus is on the present—and on winning this series against the Giants. Let's see if the bats can stay hot.
