The Atlanta Braves' 2025 season is very much on the line over the next two weeks as the team will face the division-leading New York Mets twice. Tuesday night's first game was a glimpse into the direction the season might go. It seemed things were headed down a familiar path with the Braves offense fumbling what was a solid game from Spencer Schwellenbach.
This continued with Nick Allen, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Alex Verdugo, who would all reach to load the bases for Atlanta. A strikeout and shallow popout followed, and it appeared the Braves were destined for yet another frustrating loss.
A solid pitching performance and a myriad of offensive opportunities being wasted were a familiar story. One that wasn't destined to repeat with Marcell Ozuna stepping to the plate with two outs and lacing a bases-clearing double. It was a fitting moment for a veteran who has been playing through an injury and has often seen his name in trade speculation. It gave the Braves a huge victory and perhaps set the tone both for the week to come and what lies ahead for Ozuna.
Marcell Ozuna Had the Perfect Response to Recent Braves Trade Speculation
The hit would set up an extra inning where superb baserunning would set up a walk-off from third baseman Austin Riley. It felt like a pivotal moment in Atlanta's season, and all was set up by Ozuna's game-tying swing. It is important to note that at no point have the Braves indicated they are throwing in the towel or giving up on the 2025 season. Despite how dark things have looked, Atlanta has indicated they are a team looking to improve and claw back into contention.
It seems fitting that it was Ozuna who had the defining hit in a game that helped drive this perspective home. The veteran slugger has dealt with the most trade speculation of any current Brave due to his expiring contract. Add in the fact that the designated hitter has been among the league's most consistent producers the last couple of seasons, and the rumors make sense.
However, Ozuna did his best to put them to bed with what felt to be a defining swing of the season. Atlanta fans can only hope that this signaled a page turn and is going to start a long overdue hot streak. One helping the Braves climb back into wildcard contention and out of the National League basement.