Matt Olson's clutch hit sparked a 5-run rally as the Braves beat the Mets 5-3 on June 25. See how Olson's heroics and a save from Iglesias sealed the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like another frustrating night, the Atlanta Braves flipped the script with a massive sixth-inning rally, storming past the New York Mets for a much-needed 5-3 victory. The win was a testament to resilience, sparked by the team's most consistent offensive force, Matt Olson, who delivered the decisive blow.
Matt Olson's on-base streak is now at 25 games, and his clutch two-run single in the sixth was the difference-maker.
For five innings, it was a classic pitcher's duel. Then, the sixth inning happened. The Braves' bats exploded for five runs, turning a tense standoff into a commanding lead. At the center of it all was Matt Olson. The first baseman went 2-for-4, but his biggest hit was a tie-breaking, two-run single that sent the Truist Park faithful into a frenzy. Finishing the night with three RBIs, a double, and a walk, Olson extended his incredible on-base streak to 25 consecutive games. In a season of offensive ups and downs, Olson remains the unwavering constant.
A big lead is only as good as the bullpen that protects it, and Raisel Iglesias delivered a masterclass in closing. Called upon to secure the final two outs, Iggy was sharp, allowing just one hit while striking out one to earn his ninth save of the season. It was his first save opportunity since June 5, and he made it count. This performance extended his scoreless appearance streak to six games, a reassuring sign of stability at the back end of the bullpen, which the team desperately needs to turn close games into wins.
While the big-league club fought for a win in Atlanta, the organization's future continued to take shape in the minor leagues. The Braves' commitment to developing pitching is on full display with the promotions of JR Ritchie to Double-A Mississippi and Brett Sears' rapid ascent to the same level. Ritchie dominated High-A with a 1.30 ERA, while Sears has been a strikeout machine. It wasn't all good news, as prospect Drue Hackenberg landed on the injured list with a back issue after a tough start in Double-A. Still, the upward movement of top arms shows the pipeline remains strong, fueling hope for the future rotation and bullpen.
Wednesday's win brings the Braves to 36-41, still looking up in the NL East standings. But this wasn't just any win. It was a formula for success: a clutch veteran carrying the offense, a lights-out closer sealing the deal, and a farm system churning out promising talent. As the Braves fight to climb back into playoff contention, they'll need many more nights just like this one.
