PHOENIX – After experiencing the postseason-like atmosphere in San Francisco, the Braves probably felt like they were at spring training when they opened a four-game series in Arizona. The pitching they faced likely also reminded them of the exhibition season.
The Braves used a seven-run fifth to cruise to a 11-4 win over the 102-loss Diamondbacks.
Here are five takeaways from Monday:
1. It was a fifth inning that seemingly would never end. The Braves sent 12 to the plate, scoring seven runs on seven hits, two fielder’s choices and a walk. The explosive frame felt reminiscent of the 2020 Braves’ production, when arguably the greatest offense in franchise history became infamous for its explosive innings over the shortened season.
This frame showed the Braves’ firepower while also serving as the perfect display of the Diamondbacks’ ineptitude. Two Arizona pitchers, starter Humberto Mejia and reliever Taylor Widener, were knocked around by a Braves offense that finally find its groove after a few frustrating days.
2. It started with right fielder Jorge Soler, who hit leadoff for the second time in his career. He and first baseman Freddie Freeman opened the inning with doubles, tying the score at 3-3. Second baseman Ozzie Albies’ single scored Freeman and put the Braves ahead.
“I like Soler there,” manager Brian Snitker said of his lineup adjustment. “I figured he’d want to drug test me after he looked at the lineup and saw he was leading off.”
Third baseman Austin Riley laced his third double of the night, scoring Albies and prompting Mejia’s exit. Then came the inning’s highlight: A 483-foot blast from outfielder Adam Duvall. The longest homer of Duvall’s career, which Snitker said made his “mouth drop open,” pushed the lead to 7-3.
“That was the purest ball that I’ve hit in my big-league career,” Duvall said. “That’s one of those you work for and strive for. It’s almost like your best drive in golf. You very rarely achieve it, but when you do, it’s fun.”
Widener couldn’t stop the bleeding. Left fielder Eddie Rosario singled. Diamondbacks third baseman IIdemaro Vargas botched a grounder to third hit by shortstop Dansby Swanson, giving the Braves runners at first and second.
Catcher William Contreras struck out for the inning’s first out. Pinch-hitter Max Fried continued to show why he’s one of MLB’s best hitting pitchers by drawing a seven-pitch walk. Soler then grounded into a force out that scored another run.
Freeman singled on a ball that was snagged by Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, who delivered an errant throw to first. The Braves scored again, making it 9-3.
Home plate umpire Mike Muchlinski had apparently seen enough by the end of Albies’ seven-pitch at-bat, calling strike three on a pitch high and out of the zone, mercifully ending the inning.
3. Duvall’s career-long home run was his second in as many days. His homer Sunday snapped a scoreless tie in the seventh, leading the Braves to a victory in San Francisco. Duvall has a career-best 16-game hitting streak and leads the National League with 107 RBIs. His 37 homers rank two behind San Diego’s Fernando Tatis for most in the NL.
4. The Braves struggled mightily with runners in scoring position over the four games entering Monday, going 6-for-36 (.167) in that department. They had the same amount of hits with runners in scoring position on Monday alone, going 6-for-16.
“It was good to break it open,” Duvall said. “It was tight there for four or five innings. Putting up that seven spot was huge. It lets you breathe a little bit. That was big.”
5. Just as the Braves started their game, the Phillies lost to the lowly Orioles, 2-0. The Braves’ magic number to secure the NL East is 11. They’re three games ahead of the Phillies.
Another stat to know
7 (The Braves hit seven doubles Monday, tying their most in a game this season.)
Quotable
“He bangs. It’s impressive. That ball tonight was hit a very, very long way.” - Riley on Duvall
Encore performance
Rosario, fresh off hitting for the cycle Sunday, had two hits Monday, including a solo home run in the ninth.
Up next
The Braves and Diamondbacks continue their series Tuesday. The Braves will start reliever Jesse Chavez to begin a bullpen game against Arizona right-hander Luke Weaver (3-5, 4.42).
