Ozuna homers, Urshela drives in 3 as Braves beat Reds 7-1

On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Braves faced off against the Cincinnati Reds, securing a decisive 7-1 victory. Marcell Ozuna ended a lengthy home run and RBI drought by hitting his 38th home run of the season, breaking a 1-1 tie in the seventh inning. Gio Urshela played a crucial role, driving in three runs, including a bases-loaded single that extended the Braves' lead. Spencer Schwellenbach pitched effectively, allowing only one run over six innings, contributing to the team's strong performance. The Braves' win was significant as it kept them within two games of the Mets for the final National League wild card spot. Despite their overall struggles against the Reds this season, the Braves capitalized on their opportunities in this game. The Reds managed to score only once, with Elly De La Cruz hitting a triple in the sixth inning, but they struggled to generate offense against Schwellenbach. Jakob Junis, starting for the Reds, had a solid outing, retiring the first 11 batters he faced before Ozuna's double. However, he ultimately allowed two hits and was unable to prevent the Braves from taking control of the game. The Reds are currently evaluating whether Hunter Greene will return to the mound for an upcoming start, indicating ongoing challenges with their pitching staff. Looking ahead, the Braves and Reds will conclude their three-game series with a matchup featuring rookie Julian Aguiar for the Reds and veteran Chris Sale for the Braves. This game will be crucial for both teams as they navigate their respective playoff aspirations and roster challenges.