The San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves entered the 2023 season as two of the favorites in the National League. And if a potential playoff series between the two powerhouses does anything to resemble Thursday’s game, we’ll be in for a treat.
Heading into the eighth inning, San Diego and Atlanta were tied at four. With two outs in the top of the inning, the Braves were let down by their defense.
First, San Diego’s Xander Bogaerts scored on a wild pitch from Kirby Yates. Jake Cronenworth moved to third. On the following pitch, José Azócar bunted, scoring Cronenworth. Yates threw the ball away, allowing Azócar to get to third.
Rough sequence here for the Braves, and the Padres take a 6-4 lead in the 8th. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/KvskEp9pyu
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 7, 2023
Yates retired Kim Ha-seong to keep the deficit at 6-4. Then, it was Atlanta’s turn for a two-out rally.
Matt Olson cut the deficit in half with an RBI single, bringing in Orlando Arcia. Then, after an infield single from Austin Riley, Travis d’Arnaud delivered an RBI single, scoring Olson to tie the game.
All tied'Up!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/Qk5wzhPTFk
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2023
Atlanta seemed ready to take the lead but an outstanding catch from Juan Soto kept things tied.
The Braves tie it up 6-6, but Juan Soto makes an incredible diving catch to prevent them from taking the lead! ⚾️🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z4bPvTqfUm
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 7, 2023
The Padres could not score in their half of the ninth. Things seemed headed for extra innings when Sean Murphy and Sam Hilliard both flew out to start the bottom of the ninth.
But after a two-out double from Eddie Rosario, Arcia came to the plate and sent everyone home.
The Braves walk it off! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/bNTozmS7EI
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 7, 2023
The baseball world loved the thrilling finish between the two teams.
So … Braves-Padres is pretty good, huh?
— Jason Foster (@ByJasonFoster) April 7, 2023
well THAT was a fun watch 🎢 pic.twitter.com/Gp2OVpLQUP
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 7, 2023
The Braves beat the Padres, 7-6. Orlando Arcia hits a walk-off single. The Braves score the final three runs to steal one. This was a very fun and very high-level baseball game.
Atlanta is 6-1.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 7, 2023
Many relievers used to slow down the pace… so now the end of games can feel ELECTRIC and frantic in a totally unique way.
This Padres/Braves finish is incredible— Ahmed Fareed (@ahmedNBC) April 7, 2023
FanGraphs currently has the Braves projected for 95.6 wins.
Next-highest in MLB are the Dodgers and Padres (each at 90.0). https://t.co/UwU714RXgf
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) April 7, 2023
HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE HE’S ORLANDO HIMCIA https://t.co/cFAy2lUJHS pic.twitter.com/3sawWzSdqN
— Blooper (@BlooperBraves) April 7, 2023
