The Atlanta Braves continued their Major League Baseball Spring Training schedule with an encouraging performance against the Boston Red Sox, highlighted by a strong outing from pitcher Bryce Elder and a late offensive explosion that secured a convincing victory.

Bryce Elder Shows Encouraging Improvement

After struggling in his previous Spring Training appearance, Bryce Elder delivered a much-needed bounce-back performance on the mound. The right-hander looked far more composed and effective, showing the command and efficiency that the Braves coaching staff has been hoping to see as the team prepares for the 2026 regular season.

Elder began the game with two scoreless innings, quickly settling into a rhythm despite allowing an early leadoff double to Andruw Monasterio, who has been one of the most aggressive baserunners in the Grapefruit League this spring. However, the threat ended quickly thanks to an impressive defensive play from Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin, who threw Monasterio out at second base while attempting to steal.

The play marked Baldwin’s fifth caught stealing of the spring, continuing to highlight the young catcher’s strong defensive abilities behind the plate.

Baldwin Continues to Shine Defensively

Baldwin’s defensive impact continued in the third inning when he recorded his sixth caught stealing of Spring Training. This time, he erased Braiden Ward on another well-executed throw to second base.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, the Red Sox managed to score earlier in that inning. Vinny Capra started the frame with a walk and later stole second base to move into scoring position. After advancing to third on a flyout, Capra eventually crossed the plate following a close play at home.

On a ground ball, Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies made a strong throw to the plate, but Capra narrowly beat the tag to score Boston’s only run against Elder.

Despite that moment, Elder remained in control for the remainder of his outing. He retired the final six batters he faced and finished with an impressive line:

• 5 innings pitched

• 6 strikeouts

• 2 walks

• 1 hit allowed

• 1 run allowed

It was exactly the kind of performance the Braves were hoping to see after his previous rough outing.

Red Sox Starter Brayan Bello Silences Braves Early

While Elder looked sharp on the mound, Atlanta’s offense initially struggled against Red Sox starter Brayan Bello. The Boston right-hander delivered a strong performance of his own, pitching five scoreless innings while striking out seven batters.

The Braves did manage four hits against Bello, including singles from:

• Drake Baldwin

• Matt Olson

• Ozzie Albies

• Michael Harris II

Harris briefly threatened to ignite a rally after stealing second base in the second inning, but Atlanta was unable to string together multiple hits to bring him home.

For most of the early portion of the game, Bello kept the Braves lineup off balance with a mix of well-located pitches and strikeout stuff.

Braves Break Through After Pitching Change

Things began to shift once the Red Sox turned to reliever Tyler Uberstine in the sixth inning.

Although Albies struck out to open the frame, Baldwin quickly got the Braves offense going by ripping a double. Moments later, Olson delivered the loudest swing of the night.

The Braves first baseman crushed a towering home run to the Budweiser Bench in center field, giving Atlanta a go-ahead two-run shot. It was Olson’s fourth home run of Spring Training, an encouraging sign that the power hitter is finding his rhythm ahead of the regular season.

Braves Bench Sparks Offensive Explosion

As is typical in Spring Training games, many of the Braves’ projected Opening Day starters exited after a few plate appearances. Manager Walt Weiss then turned to organizational depth players for the remainder of the contest.

Even so, Atlanta’s offense continued to produce.

In the seventh inning, Eli White singled before being replaced by pinch-runner Ethan Workinger. The Braves quickly converted the opportunity into a run when Jim Jarvis delivered a single and Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. followed with a sacrifice fly.

However, the biggest moment of the game came in the eighth inning.

Atlanta erupted for seven runs during a massive rally that featured six consecutive hits and seven straight baserunners. Workinger drove in two runs, Jorge Mateo picked up an RBI after a diving attempt by Red Sox outfielder Corey Rosier failed to secure a line drive, and Jarvis added another RBI single.

Kilpatrick Jr. capped the rally by extending the hit parade as Boston reliever Michael Sansone struggled to stop the surge.

By the time the inning ended, the Braves had blown the game open.

Momentum Building for Atlanta

While some fans may point out that Atlanta’s offense struggled against Boston’s starting pitching, the same could be said about the Red Sox lineup’s difficulty against Bryce Elder.

The most important takeaway for the Braves was Elder’s improvement and the continued production from key players like Olson and Baldwin. As Spring Training progresses, performances like this help the coaching staff evaluate depth while also building confidence heading into the season.

With Opening Day approaching, the Braves appear to be steadily finding their form.

Braves Turn Attention to Next Matchup

Atlanta will continue its Spring Training schedule with another afternoon game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater.

The matchup is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. ET, giving the Braves another opportunity to fine-tune their roster and prepare for the long 2026 MLB season ahead. ⚾