ATLANTA — Braves followers obtained to observe Travis d’Arnaud dent the left-field wall with the walk-off single that ended a 6-5, 10-inning win over the D-backs on Friday night time at Truist Park. However we’d by no means know what he mentioned to Matt Olson to presumably gas the rally that resulted in Atlanta’s newest walk-off win in a house opener.
“Within the ninth inning, I made enjoyable of [Olson] earlier than he obtained his large double,” d’Arnaud mentioned. “I don’t know if that loosened him up or made him offended. I don’t know what it did. However I do know our crew chemistry is in contrast to something I’ve ever seen earlier than.”
Resilient has been a becoming description for the Braves, who’ve now claimed three walk-off wins whereas going 7-1 in residence openers at Truist Park.
“I’m getting type of used to it with these guys,” Braves supervisor Brian Snitker mentioned.
So, what did d’Arnaud say?
“Every thing he says goes in a single ear and out the opposite,” Olson mentioned.
“It wasn’t PG,” d’Arnaud mentioned after some prodding.
No matter was mentioned, it actually didn’t harm. It is a close-knit crew that enjoys the comedy Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia create with their fixed banter. d’Arnaud may not be as loud or energetic, however his sarcastic wit does assist the Braves keep free.
“I feel it’s half chemistry and half not a variety of panic,” Olson mentioned.
The postgame pleasure was tempered when Braves gamers realized Spencer Strider will endure an MRI on his proper elbow on Saturday morning. After permitting 5 runs and placing out simply 4 over 4 innings, Strider instructed the medical workers his elbow was bothering him.
Olson’s third-inning residence run served as Atlanta’s high spotlight till Ronald Acuña Jr. minimize the deficit to 2 runs with an eighth-inning RBI double. All of the sudden, The Chop obtained a bit louder and there was a way this residence opener may also have a magical ending.
“It was packed tonight,” mentioned Jarred Kelenic. “The vitality was nice. I feel I’ll by no means get sick of The Chop. That’s such an iconic factor. Even the blokes within the dugout have been speaking about it. It’s simply unreal. I’m simply extraordinarily completely happy to be right here and to have the ability to assist out.”
This was a memorable first residence recreation expertise for Kelenic, who was acquired from the Mariners in December. With the D-backs beginning a left-hander, he remained on the bench till he was wanted throughout what grew to become an eventful ninth.
Austin Riley reached to start the underside of the ninth when his smooth bouncer eluded shortstop Blaze Alexander. Olson adopted with an RBI double after which aggressively moved to 3rd base on a Marcell Ozuna groundout to the left aspect.
One out. Ninth inning. Tying run on third base. Prime alternative for Kelenic to get his first residence plate look together with his new crew, proper?
It proved to be when Kelenic’s opposite-field blooper fell between Alexander and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in shallow left discipline. Olson scored the game-tying run in uncontested vogue.
“He will get the game-tying double,” d’Arnaud mentioned. “That’s fairly large for him and fairly large for us.”
Kelenic has expressed his appreciation for being with Atlanta going again to January’s Braves Fest. His first expertise with the house crowd simply added to his appreciation for his new residence.
“It appears like we’re by no means out of it,” Kelenic mentioned. “It simply appears like such a crew setting in right here. I really feel like we’re simply so harmful on either side of the ball. It’s only a enjoyable group to be round.”
The late-inning offensive heroics wouldn’t have been potential had the bullpen not delivered six scoreless innings. Pierce Johnson stranded the automated runner with the assistance of two strikeouts within the tenth. Joe Jiménez, Aaron Bummer and Raisel Iglesias all contributed a scoreless inning. As for Jesse Chavez he simply did what he has constantly carried out in Atlanta.
Chavez helped the Braves beat the Phillies after Max Fried was chased within the first inning of his season debut final weekend. As soon as Strider exited this collection opener, the 40-year-old reliever altered the tide with two scoreless innings.
Chemistry, poise or simply a few of that late-inning Braves magic took care of the remaining.
“We have now the arrogance we are able to come again in any scenario towards anyone,” Olson mentioned. “Whenever you consider that, it’s going to occur greater than in case you don’t.”
