Austin Riley powers Braves to victory over Dodgers with two homers

In Atlanta, USA, on May 4, 2025, Austin Riley played a pivotal role in a critical game for the Atlanta Braves against the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the top teams in Major League Baseball. Riley hit two two-run homers, which provided the Braves with a 4-0 lead early in the game. His performance was especially important after the Braves had been struggling earlier in the season, including a rough stretch where they lost seven consecutive games to the Dodgers, starting with losses in the previous season. The Braves had previously lost their first two games in this series, giving the Dodgers a seven-game winning streak. The game shifted momentum after a pinch-hit home run by Miguel Rojas in the seventh inning narrowed the Braves' lead to 4-3, creating tension as the game progressed to the final innings. Braves closer Raisel Iglesias successfully struck out the last two batters in the ninth inning to secure the win for Atlanta, marking a much-needed victory to boost the team's morale and prevent a season sweep by the Dodgers. This win was crucial as it reflected the Braves' potential to compete against one of the best teams in the league, despite their record falling under .500 earlier in the season. Riley, who leads the Braves in homers and RBIs, emphasized the importance of this victory for the team's confidence moving forward. The Braves were waiting for the return of key outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who could further enhance their performance in upcoming games. The win also allowed the Braves to avoid being swept in the season series against a dominant Dodgers team, suggesting potential growth for the team and drawing attention to their capability to compete with top-tier opponents.