Braves edge D-backs in 10 to win home opener

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th April, 22:55 2024

Apr 5, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) reacts with first baseman Christian Walker (53) after hitting a lead off home run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. credits: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Travis d'Arnaud led off the 10th inning with a single that scored pinch runner Forrest Wall, giving the Braves a 6-5, come-from-behind win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the home opener at Atlanta.

The Braves rallied from a 5-2 deficit, scoring once in the eighth and twice in the ninth.

Arizona's Kevin Ginkel was trying to earn a four-out save when he returned to the mound in the ninth. Austin Riley reached when shortstop Blaze Alexander, who entered the game for defense in the eighth, bobbled a ground ball.

Matt Olson, who finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, followed with a double off the left field wall that scored Riley. One out later, pinch hitter Jarred Kelenic tied the game by dropping a double into left field to score Olson.

The winning pitcher was Pierce Johnson (2-0), who pitched a scoreless top of the 10th. The losing pitcher was Scott McGough (0-2), whose only batter was d'Arnaud.

Arizona starter Tommy Henry went five innings and allowed two runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts. He escaped trouble in the fourth and fifth innings, stranding a combined five runners in the two frames.

Atlanta starter Spencer Strider was knocked out after pitching just four innings. He yielded five runs on seven hits while walking three and fanning four.

The Diamondbacks jumped on Strider for three runs in the first inning. Ketel Marte led off the game with a home run, his second of the season and sixth career leadoff blast, and Eugenio Suarez added a two-run double. It was the fourth time the Diamondbacks have scored two runs in the first inning.

The Braves cut the deficit to 3-2 with single runs in the second on an RBI single from Marcell Ozuna and in the third on Olson's 424-foot homer to center field, his second.

Arizona got the two runs back in the fourth inning on Jake McCarthy's RBI double and a bases-loaded walk to Lourdes Guriel Jr.

Atlanta pulled within 5-3 in the eighth on a run-scoring double by Ronald Acuna Jr. off reliever Miguel Castro.

—Field Level Media

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