Marcell Ozuna breaks home run drought as Braves eliminate Reds from…

Marcell Ozuna Breaks HR Slump as Braves Knock Reds Out of Playoff Contention

On September 19, Marcell Ozuna ended a 26-game home run drought by launching a decisive homer in the seventh inning, helping the Atlanta Braves secure a 7-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Ozuna also doubled twice in the game. His solo shot off reliever Tony Santillan broke a 1-1 tie, and Atlanta added more runs, including an Orlando Arcia two-out single that drove in Ramon Laureano and Matt Olson after Laureano narrowly missed a homer.

Michael Harris II later hit his 13th home run in the eighth inning, sealing the victory. The Braves’ win was their first over the Reds this season after four losses and kept them within two games of the New York Mets in the race for the final National League wild-card spot. Meanwhile, the loss officially eliminated the Reds from playoff contention.

Atlanta rookie Spencer Schwellenbach improved to 7-7 with a strong six-inning performance, allowing just one run on five hits. Cincinnati’s Jakob Junis pitched six innings, allowing one run and two hits, including Ozuna’s game-changing double in the fourth.

Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz tied the game briefly in the sixth inning with a triple and later scored on a squeeze bunt, but the Reds couldn’t hold on. Injuries have plagued their rotation, with Brandon Williamson set for Tommy John surgery, ending his season and likely ruling him out for 2025.

In the eighth inning, Eli White made a spectacular defensive play, robbing Tyler Stephenson of a home run.