Back in the Swing of Things (Literally)

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The Braves just gave us one of those weeks where you feel a little bit of everything. Hope. Frustration. Nostalgia. Momentum. We saw a superstar swing in Florida, a bullpen blow up in Atlanta, and a fanbase that keeps showing up, no matter what.

Let’s talk about it.

Braves Blow Late Lead, Fall 5–4 to the Nats

On paper, this should’ve been a feel-good win. The Braves had a 4–1 lead after six innings. Bryce Elder was solid, Marcell Ozuna stayed hot, and the crowd was buzzing on his bobblehead night.

Then the wheels came off.

Aaron Bummer and Enyel De Los Santos couldn’t hold the line. James Wood delivered the knockout punch with a go-ahead double in the eighth, and the Nationals walked away with their first win in over a week. Final score: 5–4, and the kind of loss that leaves a bruise.

There’s no sugarcoating it. The bullpen is shaky. The momentum they built reaching .500 the night before? Gone in three innings.

Acuña Goes Hard in Rehab Debut

Here’s your bright spot. Ronald Acuña Jr. is officially back on a baseball field, and it didn’t take long for him to remind us who he is.

In his first rehab game since tearing his ACL last spring, Acuña launched a solo homer while playing six innings in right field. His swing looked relaxed. His timing looked sharp. His smile? Massive.

The Braves aren’t rushing him. But if this is how he starts, imagine how he’ll finish. His return is coming, and it’s going to hit different.

20 Million Fans and Counting at Truist

On Wednesday night, the Braves welcomed their 20 millionth fan to Truist Park. That’s not a typo. Since opening its gates in 2017, the ballpark has drawn twenty million people through its turnstiles.

The lucky fan, Cherri Frost, got a VIP experience she’ll never forget. Upgraded seats, a customized jersey, and a reminder of what makes Braves baseball so special. Even when the scoreboard stings, the community shows up.

Strider Throwing Again, Eyes Return

Good news on the pitching front. Spencer Strider threw a five-inning simulated game this week and came out of it feeling good.

The fastball velocity wasn’t quite where it normally lives, but the shape and command were there. He got his work in. No pain. No setbacks. The Braves will take it.

There’s no set return date, but this was a big step. If all goes well, we could be looking at a June return for the mustachioed flamethrower.

A .500 Flash

For one night, the Braves were back at .500. Tuesday’s 5–2 win over the Nationals was a glimpse at what this team could look like when everything clicks.

Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach went seven innings and looked like he belonged. Drake Baldwin went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and two RBIs. It was the kind of performance that gives you a peek into the future. One worth believing in.

Unfortunately, the next game brought the familiar sting of inconsistency. But that win showed us there’s plenty of fight in this group.

The Braves aren’t where they want to be, but the pieces are starting to move. Acuña is swinging. Strider is throwing. The kids are producing. The bullpen? That’s another conversation.

For now, stay close. This season still has chapters left to write.

See you in the seats!

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