Matt Olson's grand slam and Jurickson Profar's return power the Braves to an 8-3 win over the Angels on July 3, 2025. See how a 7-run inning changed it all.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think the injury bug has bitten its last, the Atlanta Braves find a way to roar back. Trailing the Angels and reeling from the news of yet another pitcher hitting the IL, the Braves unleashed a furious seven-run sixth inning, punctuated by a Matt Olson grand slam, to secure a thrilling 8-3 victory and remind everyone just how explosive this offense can be.
After not hitting a single grand slam in their first 81 games, the Braves have now hit two in their last four contests.
The game felt like it was slipping away. The Braves were down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, but the script flipped in a hurry. Sean Murphy ignited the rally with a go-ahead three-run homer, sending Truist Park into a frenzy. But the real fireworks were yet to come. With the bases loaded, Matt Olson stepped to the plate and blasted his ninth career grand slam—his second in just four games—off reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. The seven-run explosion completely changed the complexion of the game, turning a deficit into a commanding lead.
Making his first appearance after an 80-game PED suspension, Jurickson Profar made an immediate and undeniable impact. Batting leadoff, he went 2-for-4 and even launched a solo home run, providing a jolt of energy and production. His return is complex, but on this night, his bat did the talking, adding a dynamic presence to an outfield mix that saw the struggling Alex Verdugo designated for assignment to make room. Profar's versatility and switch-hitting ability will be a key storyline to watch.
While the sixth inning was the story, Matt Olson's sustained excellence can't be overlooked. His 3-for-5 night, which included the grand slam and a double, extended his hitting streak to nine games. Over that span, he's been scorching hot, batting .395 (15-for-38). His power is back in a big way, and his consistency at the plate is anchoring the lineup through its ups and downs.
The win was bittersweet, coming on the same day the team placed rookie Spencer Schwellenbach on the IL with a fractured right elbow—a tough blow to an already battered rotation. Fellow rookie Didier Fuentes got the start and battled, showing promising stuff with a season-high six strikeouts over 3.2 innings, though he couldn't go deep. The bullpen, however, was stellar. Aaron Bummer picked up the win with 2.2 perfect innings of relief, shutting the door after Fuentes' exit. The team continued to shuffle the deck, recalling LHP Austin Cox and activating RHP Daysbel Hernández to provide fresh arms.
This was a signature Braves win: facing adversity, shaking up the roster, and then letting the offense explode. While the pitching staff remains a day-to-day puzzle with Schwellenbach's injury, the re-emergence of the long ball and the immediate impact of Profar provide a massive boost. As they move forward, the Braves will need to ride this offensive wave and hope the bullpen patchwork holds, proving once again that they can find ways to win no matter the circumstances.
