What a spring send-off in the desert! The Atlanta Braves wrapped up Spencer Schwellenbach’s final start of spring training with an offensive firework show that turned a quiet start into an absolute rout over the Chicago Cubs. And yeah, if you blinked, you probably missed a homer.
Let’s start with the headline stuff here: the Braves brought what looked like an Opening Day lineup to this Arizona game, and while the first inning felt like it might be another snoozer behind Schwellenbach — three up, three down, including strikeouts for Riley and Olson — things quickly shifted once Ryan Pressly took the mound.
Michael Harris cracked it open with a single, Ozzie Albies followed with one of his own, and then boom — the Braves put two on the board with a string of hits and productive outs.
Fifth-Inning Firestorm: Braves Drop the Hammer
The real fun came in the fifth. That’s when the Braves just lit up Ryan Brasier. Let’s walk through this fireworks display like we’re in a Home Run Derby. Riley: leadoff double.
Olson: absolute no-doubter.
Ozuna: dead center shot.
Albies: his turn — third home run of the inning.
Add in a few walks and a clutch knock from Cal Conley, and suddenly, the Braves are up 10-2, and the Cubs are pulling Brasier quickly.
Even after the substitutions started rolling in during the sixth, Atlanta kept the pedal down. Baldwin and company weren’t just filling innings — they were tacking on runs, finishing this desert demolition with a 13-4 final. That’s 13 runs from a team that looked quiet in the first — talk about flipping the script.
Schwellenbach Stumbles (Sort Of), Bullpen Shows Mixed Bag
Now, over to the mound. Schwellenbach — who’s had a sensational spring with 26 Ks and only two walks in 18.2 innings — finally had a mortal day.
A two-run shot from Gage Workman was the headline, and Schwellenbach finished with 2.1 innings, three hits, one walk, and two punchouts. It’s not a gem, but it’s hardly a disaster. If there was ever a time to stumble, late March is the time to do it.
After he exited, Dylan Lee, Enyel De Los Santos, and Héctor Neris came in and locked it down — no runs, no walks, and just two hits between them. That’s the kind of midgame work you want to see.
But things got wobbly again with Pierce Johnson, who gave up a walk, a single, and a double — good for two runs — before recovering. Aaron Bummer hit his first two batters but settled enough to get through the inning.
And Daysbel Hernández worked around traffic in the eighth before Raisel Iglesias came in and absolutely dominated the ninth. Two Ks and a groundout to put the game to bed. Lights out.
Baldwin Makes His Case, and the Lineup Looks Ready
What a spring it’s been for Drake Baldwin. The guy caught the entire game, collected two hits and a walk, and didn’t miss a beat. It’s not always easy for young catchers to stand out, but Baldwin continues to show he’s not just surviving out there — he’s thriving.
If this was a glimpse at the Opening Day lineup, Braves fans have every reason to be excited. Riley, Olson, Albies, and Ozuna all showed pop, Harris set the table, and even the bench guys made the most of their opportunities.
This wasn’t just a spring game — it felt like a statement. And the message? The Atlanta Braves are locked, loaded, and ready for the regular season.
