Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr. power the offense as Atlanta secures rubber match win
After splitting the first two games at American Family Field, the Atlanta Braves entered Wednesday afternoon’s rubber match against the Milwaukee Brewers looking to head back to Truist Park with a series win in hand. What they got instead was even better—a dominant 6-2 victory powered by a career milestone for rookie right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach, who threw his first complete game.
The win moves the Braves to 29-38 on the year, a step in the right direction after an inconsistent stretch of baseball. Milwaukee, now 36-33, drops the series at home despite a solid showing in game two.
Early Tension, Then a Power Surge
Game 3 started slowly for both sides. Spencer Schwellenbach and Brewers starter Chad Patrick traded clean first innings, with Milwaukee nearly breaking through on a Jackson Chourio triple—but Atlanta’s defense held strong, cutting Chourio down at the plate on a fielder’s choice.
The second inning was a different story.
Marcell Ozuna led off the top half with a walk, setting the table for Michael Harris II. The young center fielder didn’t miss, unloading on a 413-foot home run to right field to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead. After an Eli White groundout, the Braves kept the inning alive with a walk from Nick Allen and a single from Ronald Acuña Jr. That brought up rookie catcher Drake Baldwin, who delivered a clutch RBI single to score Allen, with Acuña racing around to third. Atlanta led 3-0.
Milwaukee answered in the bottom half, thanks to a leadoff homer from Rhys Hoskins, but Schwellenbach quickly settled down, retiring the next three hitters.
Acuña Shows Off the Power
The Braves padded their lead in the fourth. After a Nick Allen single, Ronald Acuña Jr. launched a 416-foot blast to left-center, a much-needed offensive jolt. Just like that, it was 5-1 Braves.
Clutch Hitting and Clean Defense
Atlanta continued to apply pressure in the seventh. Austin Riley walked, Matt Olson singled, and although Ozuna grounded into a double play, Riley advanced to third. Ozzie Albies came through next with a timely RBI single to center, pushing the lead to 6-1.
That was more than enough for Schwellenbach, who was in total command by the middle innings. He faced the minimum in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, racking up strikeouts and generating weak contact. His fastball had life, his slider had bite, and perhaps most importantly—he didn’t walk a single batter.
Schwellenbach Shines in Career Milestone
Spencer Schwellenbach was the story of the day.
He went the distance on 105 pitches, scattering five hits, striking out nine, and walking none. It was the first complete game of his MLB career and a defining performance in what’s shaping up to be a very successful second year campaign.
With the win, Schwellenbach improves to 5-4 on the season. For a Braves rotation that’s had to weather injuries and inconsistent outings, his emergence is a welcome sign.
Post Game Thoughts
Wednesday’s win was a classic Braves blueprint—solid starting pitching, timely home runs, and strong defense.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s breakout performance at the plate could mark a turning point. If he can sustain anything close to his 2023 form, Atlanta’s offense will become far more dangerous, especially with the consistency of Riley, Olson, and Harris II around him.
On the pitching side, Schwellenbach’s rise is giving the Braves a much needed lift. Schwellenbach’s development adds a crucial starting arm capable of taking pressure off the bullpen and giving quality innings every five days.
Atlanta’s bullpen was quiet on Wednesday—and for the best reason. They weren’t needed.
What’s Next
The Braves have Thursday off before returning home for a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies at Truist Park. With momentum building after a series win on the road and Schwellenbach’s statement performance, Atlanta will look to keep things rolling in front of their home crowd.
Final Score: Braves 6, Brewers 2
Series Result: Braves win 2-1
Next Game:
Friday, vs. Colorado Rockies
Location: Truist Park
Time: 7:15 PM EST
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