Olson"s homer lifts Braves over Marlins in crucial wild card chase

On Saturday, the Atlanta Braves faced the Miami Marlins in a crucial game for the National League wild card race. Matt Olson played a pivotal role, breaking a tie in the seventh inning with a two-run homer, leading the Braves to a 6-2 victory. This win keeps Atlanta two games behind the New York Mets for the last wild card spot. The Braves showcased a strong offensive performance, with Gio Urshela and Jorge Soler also contributing home runs, while Marcell Ozuna and Michael Harris II each recorded three hits. Starting pitcher Max Fried delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs—one earned—over six innings, achieving his tenth win of the season. Fried's ability to limit damage was crucial, especially after the Marlins tied the game in the sixth inning due to a throwing error by Ozzie Albies. The Braves' offense responded effectively, with Olson's earlier RBI single in the fifth inning giving them a brief lead. The Marlins initially took the lead in the first inning with a run-scoring triple from Derek Hill, but Soler quickly equalized with a leadoff homer in the second. Miami's starter Adam Oller struggled, allowing two runs and eight hits before being replaced in the sixth inning. The Braves' bullpen, featuring Pierce Johnson, Joe Jiménez, and Raisel Iglesias, maintained the lead with scoreless innings. Looking ahead, the Braves are set to continue their series against the Marlins with Grant Holmes on the mound, aiming to further close the gap in the wild card standings. The outcome of this game is significant as both teams vie for playoff positions in the final stretch of the season.