Braves’ Marcell Ozuna Ends Marathon Game with Walk-Off Homer Against Phillies

In a dramatic extra-inning clash that tested both teams’ resilience, Marcell Ozuna launched a two-run, walk-off homer in the 11th inning to seal a 4-2 victory for the Atlanta Braves over the Philadelphia Phillies early Friday morning. The win clinched the Braves’ first series of the season, a much-needed boost after a rocky 3-9 start.

A Rain-Soaked Battle The game, which began at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, stretched past midnight due to a 2-hour, 45-minute rain delay after the sixth inning. Play resumed with the score tied 1-1, but neither team broke through until the 11th. The Phillies briefly took the lead when Johan Rojas drew a bases-loaded walk, but Austin Riley—Atlanta’s late-game hero—responded with an RBI double to tie it. That set the stage for Ozuna, who crushed a 109 mph, 413-foot slider into the left-field seats, igniting a celebration for the sparse crowd that endured the marathon.

Key Performances

• Marcell Ozuna: The Braves’ DH continued his torrid start, batting .316 with a 195 wRC+ and delivering his second homer of the season.
• Austin Riley: His 11th-inning double marked his third game-tying or go-ahead hit in the series, cementing his clutch reputation. After a slow start, Riley has surged to .364 during the homestand.
• Spencer Schwellenbach: The young starter shone with six innings of one-run ball, striking out five and escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fifth.

Turning Point The Phillies’ bullpen faltered in the 11th, with Joe Ross surrendering Riley’s double and Ozuna’s decisive blast. Kyle Schwarber’s solo homer (his sixth of the year) earlier in the game wasn’t enough for Philadelphia, who fell to 8-4.

Manager’s Take Braves skipper Brian Snitker praised his team’s grit: “They just came back out after the rain delay and kept fighting. That’s a big win—our first series win of the year against one of the NL’s best”.

What’s Next The Braves head to Tampa Bay for a weekend series, while the Phillies travel to face the Pirates. Ozuna’s heroics may have sparked a turnaround for Atlanta, but Riley’s resurgence could be the linchpin for their playoff hopes.