Austin Riley didn’t just show up on Sunday—he erupted. The Atlanta Braves desperately needed a spark after two gut-punch losses to the Dodgers, including a soul-sapping rain delay blowout the night before.
With Bryce Elder taking the mound—yes, that Bryce Elder—against one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, things could’ve gone sideways in a hurry. But thanks to Riley’s thunderous bat, the Braves flipped the script.
Braves Fire First Inning Warning Shot
The game started on a bit of a “here we go again” note: Alex Verdugo walked to lead things off. But in came Riley, and out went the ball. Dustin May tried to get cute with a hanging sweeper, but Riley didn’t have it.
That pitch came in looking like a gift, and Riley sent it back with interest—a 108.5 mph, 426-foot missile that nearly knocked the cover off the ball.
Suddenly, Atlanta had a 2-0 lead, and Truist Park had a pulse again.
May may have escaped the inning without more damage, but the tone was set. Riley wasn’t waiting for opportunities—he was creating them.
Another Hang, Another Bang
By the third inning, Elder was breezing through the Dodgers’ order like a man possessed (did someone swap jerseys with him?). Verdugo got on base again, and just like clockwork.
Then, Riley came to the plate, ready to pounce. Another sweeper, another mistake, and another bomb—this time 416 feet to dead center.
At that point, you had to wonder if the Dodgers’ scouting report simply read, “Throw bad breaking stuff to Riley and hope for mercy.” Spoiler: there was no mercy.
Atlanta’s Momentum Swing in the Making
As of the third inning, it’s too early to crown the Braves as sweep-avoiders, but the energy shift is real. Riley has practically singlehandedly lifted the team out of a fog.
Elder—yes, the same pitcher who’s been living on the edge all season—is holding one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups at bay. It’s early, sure. But after two tough losses and some mounting pressure, this could be the turning point Atlanta badly needed.
So, if the Braves pull this one out? Circle Riley’s name. Twice. Maybe three times. And don’t forget to give Elder a tip of the cap for doing the improbable.
