Entering Saturday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves were aiming to build on the momentum of Friday's win in an attempt to string together consecutive victories for the first time in more than a week. The team got started early with a second-inning barrage, and that proved to be the difference as Atlanta outlasted the Miami Marlins by a final score of 5-3.
The Braves scored all five runs during the aforementioned second inning, and the big damage was done by Jace Peterson. Peterson blasted a grand slam that gave Atlanta a 5-0 lead, and the long ball was also the first home run of Peterson's career. From there, it was simply a case of holding on for dear life.
Alex Wood was very sharp on Saturday, allowing only two runs (one earned) across seven innings. It wasn't a big strikeout performance for the left-hander, who had only one punch-out, but Wood's only "mistake" came against Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning and he was largely effective elsewhere.
Stanton's monster home run brought the Marlins back within a 5-2 score, but until Jason Grilli allowed a run in the ninth frame on a Dee Gordon single, that margin held true. The Braves were largely impotent offensively outside of their breakout inning, but sometimes, one swing is all you need.
The Atlanta Braves continue to be a source of fatigue for Marlins pitcher Mat Latos, Jace Peterson is on the board with a home run, and Braves Country is pleased with back-to-back wins. Enjoy your Saturday evening.