Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies lead the Braves to a 5-4 extra-inning comeback win over the Nationals on June 12. Read how they erased a late deficit!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought this tough stretch might break their spirit, the Atlanta Braves reminded everyone what they're made of. Down but never out, the Braves clawed their way back against the Washington Nationals, culminating in a dramatic 10th-inning, go-ahead RBI single from Michael Harris II to seal a crucial 5-4 victory.
Ozzie Albies was the spark plug all night, finishing 3-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored.
It wasn't pretty early on. Max Fried battled through 6.1 innings, giving up three runs but keeping the team in the game with seven strikeouts. The offense sputtered until the later innings when the magic started. Ozzie Albies ignited the rally with a one-out double in the 7th, followed by a towering two-run shot from Matt Olson, his 10th of the season. The real drama unfolded in the 8th, when speedster Eli White ripped a clutch, game-tying RBI double. That set the stage for Michael Harris II, who slapped the go-ahead single in the 10th, proving once again he has ice in his veins. Raisel Iglesias slammed the door in the bottom half to earn the save and give the Braves a win they desperately needed.
Beyond the on-field drama, the Braves made a significant move in the dugout, officially naming Fredi González as the new third base coach. A familiar and respected face, González managed the team from 2011-2016 and now rejoins Brian Snitker's staff. After a recent stint as an MLB umpire supervisor, his return brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the hot corner. In a season that has tested the team's resolve, adding a veteran presence like González feels like a stabilizing move at the perfect time.
While the big-league club fights for every win, the future continues to look incredibly bright down on the farm. All eyes are on Double-A Mississippi, where two pitching prospects are turning heads. JR Ritchie, recently promoted, has been dominant, posting a minuscule 1.30 ERA through his first two starts. He's joined by Brett Sears, who has rocketed through the system and boasts an elite 32.4% strikeout rate. It's not all good news, as Drue Hackenberg is on the shelf with a back injury, but the high-end talent of Ritchie and Sears is a thrilling sign for the years to come.
This single win doesn't erase the recent struggles, but it's a powerful reminder of this team's championship DNA. With a new coach in the fold, young arms dominating in the minors, and the eventual return of Ronald Acuña Jr. on the horizon, the confidence expressed by Brian Snitker feels more than just talk. This gritty, extra-inning victory could be the spark that ignites the turnaround.
