The Atlanta Braves cruised to a 17-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night. Matt Olson, Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubón all hit solo home runs in the opener of a four-game series.
Reynaldo López earned the win after giving up just one run over five innings.
Braves’ Eight-Run Fifth Buries D-backs
The Braves broke the game open with an eight-run fifth inning. Twelve batters went to the plate as the Braves took a 10-1 lead. Austin Riley and Michael Harris II hit two-run doubles, and Ozzie Albies brought home two more with a single.
The inning proved frustrating for the D-backs. Ryne Nelson walked three batters, including Ronald Acuña Jr., forcing in a run. A potential strike three to Albies was overturned by an ABS challenge, turning it into a walk. A potential inning-ending double play was also overturned when Drake Baldwin was ruled safe at first.
Ten-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado made a costly error. This led to five unearned runs for Nelson.
Pitching Woes for Arizona
Nelson (0-1) lasted just 4 2/3 innings, giving up seven runs, though only two were earned. He walked three and struck out three.
López (1-0) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out three.
D-backs catcher James McCann pitched the ninth inning, giving up five runs on seven hits, including a two-run homer to Jorge Mateo.
Diamondbacks’ Highlights
Arizona had its three-game winning streak snapped.
Jordan Lawlar hit a solo homer in the third. It was his first career long ball in 126 career plate appearances.
The D-backs will start LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) against Braves RHP Grant Holmes (0-1, 5.40) on Friday night.