Braves vs D-backs Recap: High-Energy Saturday Clash

During the second inning the game changed in a wild way. Atlanta scored first when Smith singled to left and Yastrzemski sprinted home. That gave the Braves a 1–0 lead and the crowd cheered loudly. Later in the same inning Fernandez bunted to the pitcher and chaos followed. Moreno scored and then Arenado scored after the pitcher’s throwing error. As a result Arizona took a 2–1 lead and grabbed momentum that lasted to the final out.

The top of the second started with a big moment for Atlanta. Smith hit a 96 mph fastball and singled to left while Yastrzemski scored. That made it 1–0 Braves with two outs and a 3–2 count. In the bottom half Fernandez tried a bunt and the ball stayed low near the pitcher. The catcher and infield reacted slowly, and two runs came in after the throwing error by Bryce Elder.

Both clubs brought steady pitchers to the mound on Saturday. Atlanta started Bryce Elder and Arizona started Michael Soroka. Atlanta has strong arms like Spencer Strider and veteran Chris Sale on the roster, although Strider is on the 15-day injured list. Sale is day-to-day with an illness. Arizona has Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly available, but Kelly began the season on the 15-day injured list with soreness.

Arizona won 2–1 after that second inning swing. The final box score shows four hits and one error for each team, and Arizona had the two runs that mattered. Atlanta is 6–2 after the game and riding a three-game winning streak at home. The Diamondbacks fall to 3–5 and have a two-game losing streak. Fans saw smart small-ball and a messy defensive play that changed the outcome.