Braves hit four homers but drop series opener in Seattle, 5-4

TL;DR

The Braves lost to the Mariners 5-4 despite hitting four home runs and leading 4-0. A critical pitching decision in the sixth inning allowed Seattle to rally and secure the win.

Key points

Braves lost to Mariners 5-4
Braves hit four home runs
JR Ritchie struggled on the mound
Critical sixth-inning pitching decision
Next game features Bryce Elder against George Kirby

Atlanta BravesSeattle MarinersLos Angeles Dodgers

May 4, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Atlanta Braves starter JR Ritchie (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images The Braves saw their winning streak come to an end on Monday night in Seattle, falling to the Mariners, 5-4, despite hitting four homers and leading 4-0 at one point. Walt Weiss has been terrific this year, but his very questionable decision in the sixth inning turned the game upside down. With the Braves up 4-0, JR Ritchie was very clearly out of gas — and had lacked command all night — and was inexplicably sent to the mound once again in the sixth. He issued back to back walks and was \still\ not taken out of the game, giving up a three-run homer moments later on a hanging slider to Luke Raley to cut the lead to 4-3. Tyler Kinley entered in relief and surrendered a two-out, two-strike, two-run shot to JP Crawford to give Seattle a very sudden 5-4 lead. The Braves hit Mariners starter Logan Gilbert hard all night, launching four solo homers and spraying line drives all over the field. Drake Baldwin led off the game with a homer. Ozzie Albies and then went back-to-back in the sixth, followed by two batters later with a rocket of his own. The Braves could have very easily scored more than four against Gilbert, but some poor luck on batted balls prevented a bigger night offensively. Pitching in front of hundreds of friends and family, it was not a great night for Ritchie, who issued six walks and scattered four hits across 5+ innings. He only struck out two. We’ll see if he makes another start against the mighty this weekend or if Atlanta turns to a different option, like or . The series continues Tuesday night with set to face very good righty . First pitch at 9:40 p.m. ET.

Q&A

What caused the Braves to lose against the Mariners on May 4, 2026?

The Braves lost due to a poor pitching decision in the sixth inning, where starter JR Ritchie remained on the mound despite struggling, leading to a three-run homer and a subsequent two-run shot.

Who hit home runs for the Braves in their loss to the Mariners?

Drake Baldwin, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley each hit solo home runs for the Braves during the game.

What is next for the Braves after their loss to the Mariners?

The Braves will continue their series against the Mariners with Bryce Elder scheduled to pitch against George Kirby on Tuesday night.