The Braves walloped the Rays for the second consecutive game, winning 9-2 at Truist Park as the offense continued its revival. It was the team’s third consecutive win following a five-game skid.
Here are five takeaways:
1. Three games mark a trend. The Braves’ offense looked alive and well again, producing a five-run fifth inning after creating a five-run first the previous night.
This monstrous frame, though, remarkably resembled the 2023 club. Jarred Kelenic, playing center and hitting leadoff, blasted a go-ahead two-run shot off Ryan Pepiot. After second baseman Ozzie Albies drew a walk, designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and first baseman Matt Olson hit consecutive homers.
A 1-0 deficit became a 5-1 lead in a series of swings. Those are the Braves everyone expected in 2024. And with three straight encouraging performances, it’s looking like the team’s key hitters are rejuvenated.
“We have so many talented guys in here,” Kelenic said. “Once we get a little bit of momentum, you feel like the game is kind of over. Once we took the lead right there, and especially the big dogs coming up behind me, they capitalized and had a big inning right there. Just a little bit of momentum and I was fired up about it.”