TL;DR Matt Olson hit a walk-off two-run homer in the ninth inning, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers. This win secured another series victory for the Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 29: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Ozzie Albies #1 after hitting a walk-off two-run homer in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 29: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Ozzie Albies #1 after hitting a walk-off two-run homer in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 29, 2026 in Atlanta , Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tigers needed their ace tonight, and they got him.
Tarik Skubal was as advertised. Outside of one blemish to start the game, he did not allow a Braves runner in scoring position in his seven innings of work. It wouldâve been a well-deserved, tip-your-cap type of win.
But the 2026 Braves simply wonât be denied. Pitching by Ritchie, Lee, and LĂłpez kept them in it, and our patience was richly rewarded with a Matt Olson walk-off home run to clinch another series win for Atlanta.
JR Ritchieâs first inning set the tone for his home crowd debut: serviceable, but not as dominant as what weâd seen in the DC matinee. The Tigers worked deep counts and didnât go down 1-2-3 in any inning he pitched. In the first inning, he worked around a Gleyber Torres walk and Colt Keith single, but got two Kâs to strand them.
In the bottom half of the first, the Braves drew first blood against Skubal by way of a single and an Ozzie Albies home run that looked identical to the one he hit to left field last night.
However, Ritchie would give those runs back in the top of the second in a two-out rally by Detroit. Wenceel PĂ©rez, who spoiled last nightâs shutout with a homer off , doubled to left. Ritchie walked the recently-recalled nine hole hitter . Hitting machine Kevin McGonigleâs single made it 2-1. An ill-advised pickoff attempt would tie it up 2-2.
Unfortunately, Skubal settled in to shut down the Braves, sending us to the third. âs leadoff homer would give the Tigers the lead, 3-2.
The next few innings would be largely uneventful. Drake Baldwin notched a second hit off Skubal, Ritchie worked around runners on the corners in the fourth. In their respective innings, Matt Olson and tried to set the table for a Braves offensive rally, only to be erased by double plays by and , respectively.
Ritchie came back out for the sixth and walked , but got to fly out before exiting to an appreciative ovation from the fans at home. Ritchieâs final line: five and a third innings pitched, five hits, three earned runs, four walks, and the homer to Greene. It wasnât as efficient or commanding as his performance against the Nationals, but selfishly, I hope he is able to stick around to start in his hometown vs next week.
, back from his one-day stint on the paternity list, finished off the sixth and set them down in order in the seventh.
Midway through Matt Olsonâs at bat in the seventh, Tarik Skubal summoned his coaches and trainers and seemed to indicate that he was feeling something in his elbow or forearm. But after seemingly easily convincing him that he was fine enough to stay in, he looked more than fine as he struck out Olson, Riley, and DubĂłn in order.
came trotting out of the bullpen to relieve Lee and only needed eight pitches to retire the Tigers in order. Efficient, but sideyeing that velo a little as he irons out his mechanics. Another thing to watch? Michael didnât seem comfortable after gloving a sharp lineout.
Former National came in to face the Braves in the eighth. He struck out Mike before Walt Weiss went to his bench to pinch-hit for White and Heim. flew out, and worked an ABS-assisted walk. Ronald walked and the table was set for our clutchest boy, Drake Baldwin. It was looking promising as he fouled off pitch after pitch and the speedy ready to rev the wheels and tie it up on a base knock. But it wasnât to be as he grounded out to end the inning. Disappointed, but not in you, sweet Drake. Never in you.
Reynaldo went back out for the top of the ninth and threw another nine pitches to get three outs.
Old friend took the mound for the Tigers looking for a save to add to his illustrious career. But he must still harbor some love for his ATL days, as he walked Ozzie on six pitches and getting the leadoff man aboard for Matt Olson. Matt had been hitting the ball pretty hard all night without much to show for it. Austin Riley lurked on the on deck circle. But all Riley had to do was watch it go off the bat of Matty O.
Bring out the Dubble Bubble bucket hat! This one feels especially good after Tarik Skubal did Tarik Skubal things for so much of the evening. Thatâs another series win, and an extension of the winning streak vs Detroit we mentioned .
The Braves will go for the sweep in some brunch baseball tomorrow. Elder and Valdez will face off starting at 12:15 pm ET.