Braves find strength and go for sweep of Rays

The Atlanta Braves, who have regained their home run stroke, will attempt a three-game sweep of the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

The Braves blasted two home runs in a 7-3 win on Friday and four more in a 9-2 triumph on Saturday. Marcell Ozuna homered in both games and currently leads the National League with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs. Austin Riley also homered in both games, snapping a career-long streak of 90 homerless at bats.

Tampa Bay pitchers continue to struggle keeping the ball in the park. The Rays have allowed 97 home runs, the highest in the majors. Likewise, the Rays have hit the fewest home runs in the American League (54).

“(The Braves) are simply a collection of strong hitters. It was only a matter of time until they got going, and unfortunately, it happened when we were in here,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash explained. “Offensively we’re just scuffling right now.”

The series finale pits Tampa Bay’s Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.06 ERA) against Atlanta’s rookie right-hander Hurston Waldrep (0-1, 17.18).

Eflin was not given a decision in his most recent start on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. He threw 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with no walks and three strikeouts. This was his fifth consecutive start with three or fewer strikeouts.

Eflin has had plenty of success against the Braves throughout his career. He’s 7-3 with a 3.14 ERA in 17 games (14 starts) against Atlanta. The seven victories, one of which came in 2023, are his greatest against a single opponent.

Waldrep will make his second major league start. He made his debut on Sunday against the Washington Nationals, allowing seven runs on four hits, four walks, and one strikeout in 3 2/3 innings. Waldrep, the team’s No. 1 draft pick in 2023, started with three scoreless innings before tiring in the fourth. His ERA was hammered when he exited the game with the bases loaded, and reliever Aaron Bummer allowed a hit that cleared the bases in an 8-5 loss.

“I think his command was appropriate. “I believe it’s simply a matter of knowing your opponent and such,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Like I said, the second time through the lineup, things are a little different. You know, I think these young players, when they come out and make their first start, definitely burn a lot of energy warming up and (in) the opening innings. “It’s a new environment for them.”

On Saturday, Tampa Bay’s Yandy Diaz went 1-for-4 with a walk, extending his on-base streak to 18 games. Randy Arozarena hit his tenth homer on Saturday, snapping a 26-game homer drought.

The Rays continue to cope with a sickness that has spread throughout the clubhouse. Jose Caballero exited Friday’s game early and did not participate Saturday. Taylor Walls was not feeling well and did not play on Saturday.

Atlanta acquired veteran outfielder Ramon Laureano from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace Michael Harris II, who was placed on the injured list with a left hamstring injury. Laureano started in right field and had one hit in his Braves debut.