September 18, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) gives his teammates a high five after scoring on an RBI single by first baseman Matt Olson (not pictured) in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Marcell Ozuna hit two doubles and broke the tie with a massive three-run home run in the seventh inning as the Atlanta Braves finally defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 on Wednesday night.
Ozuna had gone 26 games without hitting a home run before hitting a 3-0 pitch to center from reliever Tony Santillan (2-3) to open the seventh inning. Ramon Laureano narrowly missed a two-run home run off the top of the wall in left two batters later. Laureano and Matt Olson scored on a two-out insurance single by Orlando Arcia.
Michael Harris II hit his 13th home run in the eighth inning, leaving no doubt as Atlanta (82-70) defeated Cincinnati (74-79) for the first time in five meetings this season. The win secured the Braves’ place within two games of the New York Mets for the National League’s third and final wild-card spot with 10 games remaining. With the loss, Cincinnati was eliminated from the playoff race.
Atlanta rookie right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (7-7) won his second straight start, allowing one run on five hits in six innings. Schwellenbach didn’t allow a hit until Jonathan India hit a triple to right with two outs in the third inning. Elly De La Cruz ended the inning with a groundout to third base.
De La Cruz made amends in the sixth inning when he led off with a triple down the right field line, just out of reach of Jorge Soler. After Tyler Stephenson was hit by a pitch, TJ Friedl hit a perfect suicide squeeze bunt to first base to score De La Cruz and tie the game at 1-1.
Cincinnati starter Jakob Junis held Atlanta to one run and two hits in six innings. The right-hander was perfect to start, striking out the first 11 batters before Ozuna broke through with a double just out of reach of Spencer Steer in left center. Matt Olson followed with a sharp single to center that scored Ozuna.
Junis was a reinforcement for Cincinnati’s injury-depleted rotation. Tuesday starter Brandon Williamson announced Wednesday that he suffered a complete tear of his UCL in his left elbow and will have to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out for this season and most likely all of next season.
Eli White came on as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and prevented a home run by Stephenson in right field in the eighth inning.
–Field level media
