Rookie Drake Baldwin's 2 HRs power the Braves to a thrilling 8-6 comeback win over the Marlins on Aug. 8, snapping a losing streak after an Austin Riley injury.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the sky was falling after a tough losing streak and the devastating news of Austin Riley hitting the injured list, a new hero emerged under the Friday night lights at Truist Park. Rookie catcher Drake Baldwin put the team on his back, delivering his first career multi-homer game and five RBIs to spark an incredible 8-6 comeback victory against the Miami Marlins.
Two homers, five RBIs, and a snapped losing streak. Not a bad night's work for rookie catcher Drake Baldwin.
Things looked bleak. The Braves found themselves in a 6-2 hole heading into the bottom of the sixth, with the weight of a three-game skid pressing down. But the rally started with a bang. Drake Baldwin, who had already gone deep back-to-back with Marcell Ozuna in the first, crushed a massive three-run homer to pull the Braves within one. The momentum had shifted. In the seventh, Baldwin came through again with an RBI single to tie it, and the go-ahead run later scored on a costly Marlins throwing error. Pierce Johnson earned the win in relief, and Raisel Iglesias slammed the door with a perfect ninth for his 15th save, sealing a much-needed win.
This win was even more impressive given the recent roster turmoil. The Braves placed All-Star third baseman Austin Riley on the 10-day IL with an abdominal strain earlier this week, a huge blow to the heart of the order. Compounding the changes, outfielder Jarred Kelenic was optioned to Gwinnett to work on his swing. In their place, the Braves called up infielders Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Jonathan Ornelas, putting the 'next man up' philosophy to the test. While the team also added minor league pitching depth by signing RHP Drew Christo, the immediate focus is on how these new faces will fill the void.
If there was ever a 'get right' spot for the Braves, it's facing the Marlins at Truist Park. Friday's victory improved Atlanta's staggering record to 50-21 against Miami at home since the ballpark opened in 2017. That's their best record against any NL East opponent in that span. No matter who is on the field or what struggles the team is facing, they simply own the Marlins in Cobb County, and this game was a perfect example of that dominance.
One win, even a dramatic one, doesn't erase the challenges ahead. Navigating the schedule without Austin Riley will be a major test of this team's depth and resilience. But for one night, Drake Baldwin provided the spark the Braves desperately needed. Now, the question is whether they can build on this momentum and prove that even when battered and bruised, they are still the team to beat in the East. All eyes will be on the new guys and the rest of the lineup to keep this energy going through the weekend.
