SE Atlanta News

Mark Bowman

NEW YORK -- Austin Riley has returned to form, and Ozzie Albies has rediscovered his power. Yet, the most notable development for the Braves this past week is Jarred Kelenic's successful adaptation to the leadoff spot.

“He’s been huge,” Riley said. “He’s embraced [the leadoff role]. I think he likes it a lot. He’s intense, and he’s putting up really good at-bats.”

Kelenic contributed two hits in an 8-1 victory over the Yankees on Friday night at Yankee Stadium, helping build an early lead. The Braves matched their season high with eight extra-base hits, supporting a dominant Chris Sale, who nearly pitched five no-hit innings but for a defensive error.

“It’s fun when we’re playing this type of baseball,” Kelenic said. “The Yankees are a hell of a ballclub, and so are we. I feel like this is a playoff atmosphere with two teams just going toe to toe. I enjoy playing games like this.”

Albies, Riley, and Matt Olson all homered against Yankees starter Carlos Rodón, who allowed season highs in hits (11), runs (eight), and earned runs (seven) while completing only 3 2/3 innings. Ramón Laureano hit three doubles, and Sean Murphy chased Rodón with a double in a three-run fourth inning.

The Braves have won seven of their last eight games since enduring a season-high fifth straight loss on June 12. They have scored six or more runs in six of these eight games after failing to reach that total consistently between April 27 and June 13.

Manager Brian Snitker remained optimistic about the offense despite its struggles earlier in the season.

“I think that’s why everyone has remained so patient,” Sale said. “We’ve all been kind of saying the same things for a while. So it’s exciting to see it come to fruition.”

Kelenic's move to the leadoff spot was unexpected but timely after Michael Harris II suffered a left hamstring strain that will keep him out until at least mid-July.

“[Kelenic is] doing the job,” Snitker said. “He’s getting an opportunity and making the most of it.”

In June, Kelenic has produced an .825 OPS over 16 games and improved further as the team's leadoff hitter over the past week with a .321 average and .916 OPS across six games.

“I’ve always had confidence in myself,” Kelenic said. “But to recognize Snit put me in the leadoff spot, it’s a sense of confidence he has in me. I’m super thankful for that opportunity and I’m going to do everything I can to contribute any way I can.”

Kelenic is contributing significantly alongside other key players:

Albies: With his first-inning homer and fourth-inning double off Rodón, Albies now has four extra-base hits in his last 14 at-bats since Monday's game-winning homer against Detroit.

Riley: Riley's opposite-field homer on Friday preceded two walks and a single; he's hitting .545 with four doubles and four homers over his past 22 at-bats.

Olson: Olson was among the first Braves sluggers to recover from early struggles; he's batting .322 with five homers over his past 24 games.

Marcell Ozuna still holds one of the best OPS figures (.977) in the National League despite not recording any hits on Friday.

Even without contributions from Ozuna on Friday night, Atlanta achieved eight extra-base hits for only the second time this season—the first being March 30 against Philadelphia—largely due to Laureano's performance since joining from Cleveland on May 25.

“We’re swinging the bats well,” Riley said. “We just look to keep it going.”