Matt Olson's Ninth-Inning Home Run Secures Braves' 4-3 Victory Over Tigers

Matt Olson hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off reliever Kenley Jansen, turning a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 Atlanta win over Detroit. Earlier, Ozzie Albies' two-run single in the first gave Detroit an early lead before Skubal’s defense erased two runners via double plays. Jansen, on his third save attempt in nine chances, walked Albies to start the ninth before Olson’s ninth career homer ended the game. Detroit starter Tarik Skubal threw seven innings, allowing five hits, striking out seven, walking none; after a 2-2 pitch to Olson prompted a trainer visit, he returned and struck out the side. Reynaldo López secured the win with two perfect relief innings.

ESPN

The Braves have won nine series this season; Detroit tied the series after the second game when JR Ritchie surrendered two runs.

ESPN

• Matt Olson (Braves) – Hit his ninth home run of the season, a walk-off two-run shot.

ESPN

• Ozzie Albies (Braves) – Delivered a two-run single in the first that gave Detroit an early lead; later walked to lead off the ninth before Olson’s walk-off homer.

ESPN

• Tarik Skubal (Tigers) – Threw seven innings, allowing five hits, striking out seven, walking none; after a 2-2 pitch to Olson prompted a trainer visit, he returned and struck out the side. Two double plays erased runners from Albies’ early two-run single.

ESPN

• Kenley Jansen (Tigers) – Entered for a save opportunity, issued a leadoff walk and surrendered the decisive home run.

ESPN

• JR Ritchie (Tigers) – Pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, four walks, four strikeouts and three runs (two earned); he gave up two runs in the second inning and later allowed an unearned run on an errant throw to first during a pickoff attempt.

ESPN

• Reynaldo López (Braves) – Recorded two perfect innings in relief to secure the win.

ESPN

• Riley Greene (Braves) – Hit a 417-foot, change-up home run in the third inning, his fourth of the year.

ESPN

• Kevin McGonigle (Tigers) – Produced a run-scoring single, extending his streak to 26 consecutive games as a starter.

ESPN

Final score: Braves 4, Tigers 3. Hits: 5 each. Runs: Braves 4 (two in the ninth), Tigers 3. Strikeouts: Skubal 7, Ritchie 4, López 2. Walks: Jansen (Albies) and Ritchie, four each. Reynaldo López threw two perfect innings; Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) will start the finale.

ESPN

Atlanta’s win preserves its perfect series record and reinforces its bullpen despite the blown save. Detroit’s loss highlights late-inning relief vulnerabilities and may affect upcoming bullpen assignments.

ESPN

Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) will start for Atlanta against Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41 ERA) in the finale.

ESPN