Eight Runs in One Inning: How the Braves Turned Thursday Night Into a Complete Diamondbacks Disaster

The Atlanta Braves didn't just beat the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night in Phoenix. They absolutely dismantled them, 17-2, with one inning doing most of the heavy lifting. During a devastating fifth inning, Atlanta plated eight runs and turned what could have been a close game into a complete blowout. By the time the Braves were done, there was no way back for Arizona.

One Inning Changed Everything

Here's the wild part: none of the four solo homers the Braves hit came during that brutal fifth inning. Instead, Atlanta's offense found different ways to hurt Arizona when it mattered most. Matt Olson, Dominic Smith, and Mauricio Dubon each went deep with solo shots, but it was the gap hitting and clutch production that really stung. In the ninth inning alone, Jorge Mateo cranked a pinch-hit two-run homer while Olson and Mike Yastrzemski each added RBI doubles to extend the damage.

Olson finished with three hits and three RBIs. Yastrzemski, Austin Riley, and Michael Harris II each drove in two runs. The Braves were relentless, and Arizona couldn't stop the bleeding. Diamondbacks catcher James McCann even had to take the mound in the ninth just to get through the inning. Jordan Lawlar hit his first career homer for Arizona, which snapped a three-game winning streak with the loss. Ildemaro Vargas chipped in an RBI double in the ninth, but it was too little, too late.

Braves Pitching Dominates Early

Atlanta's pitching kept things under control before the offense took over. Reynaldo Lopez (1-0) was solid through five innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out three and walking one. Arizona starter Ryne Nelson (0-1) couldn't escape the third inning cleanly, giving up seven runs (two earned) on three hits across 4 and 2/3 innings. He struck out three but walked three, a sign he was all over the place.

With this victory, the Braves improved to 5-2 in their first seven games. That's the kind of early season form that could set the tone for what's ahead.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.