Tempers didn’t quite boil over in Miami on Wednesday, but there was just enough drama to need to address it after the Braves’ 12–1 dramatic win over the Marlins.
It started in the third inning. Moments after Matt Olson launched a two-run homer, Ronald Acuña Jr. was plunked in the elbow guard by Marlins right-hander Ryan Gusto. Acuña glared, the benches emptied, and the umpires huddled. Their decision? Issue warnings to both sides. That’s when Brian Snitker lost it.
Snitker Tossed, Braves Respond
The Braves skipper stormed out to argue, furious that both dugouts were hit with warnings. This move not only removed the option of retaliation but also put his own starter, Joey Wentz, at risk of an automatic ejection if a pitch sailed too far inside. Snitker insisted afterward that he didn’t believe Gusto meant to hit Acuña, but he still thought the optics — drilling a star hitter right after a homer — should’ve been enough for an ejection. Instead, the only one tossed was Snitker himself, who picked up his second ejection of the season and the 22nd of his career.
With bench coach Walt Weiss taking over, the Braves’ bats erupted. They piled on nine more runs after the incident, including three home runs. Ozzie Albies delivered the biggest blow, a three-run shot later in the inning that sent Atlanta’s dugout — and social media team — into full celebration mode.
A Turning Point?
If nothing else, the moment seemed to energize the club. The Braves have now taken five of their last six series and are 14–6 since getting swept by the Brewers on August 6. They’ll carry that momentum into Philadelphia for a four-game set to close out the month.
As for Snitker, his fire on Wednesday showed he’s as engaged as ever, backing his players without hesitation. Whether he adds another ejection to the tally over the season’s final 29 games remains to be seen — but for now, Braves Country will take this one as a sign that both their manager and their lineup are heating up at just the right time.
