There is no deny that the Atlanta Braves offense has been actively and offensively bad to start the 2025 season. In addition to so many uncompetitive at-bats and a truly brutal performance with runners in scoring position, the Braves’ offense ranked only above THE FREAKING ROCKIES in runs scored this season.

That is unacceptable especially for a lineup with this much talent in it. You never want to be in the same category of ineptitude as the Rockies.

For six innings on Saturday against the Rays, it was looking like more of the same. Inning after inning against Drew Rasmussen and co., Atlanta went down with a whimper and failed to capitalize on prime scoring opportunities. That all changed starting in the seventh inning, though, and it was about damn time.

Sean Murphy keys Braves’ power outburst against the Rays

It started with the resurgent Sean Murphy connecting for a solo homer in the seventh inning to bring the Braves within a run. Nothing to write home about, but it was a knock that at least kept this game from being added to the growing list of Braves embarrassments from this season.

Then the eighth inning came and Ozzie Albies and Murphy went back-to-back with solo homers to tie the game. This still didn’t represent much progress in the “hitting the ball with runners on base” department, but a welcome sign nonetheless

In the top of the ninth, Nick Allen led the inning off with a ringing double and Michael Harris II stepped into the box. With one swing, Money Mike finally gave the Braves a result with a runner on worth celebrating as his two-run homer gave Atlanta the lead that proved to be (barely) enough to hang on for a win.

It was only one game and that win alone doesn’t answer lingering questions about the Braves’ offense and why they have looked so lost this season. However, there is at least hope now. Murphy looks to be in great form, Austin Riley is heating up, and Marcell Ozuna has been pretty steady. For now, that is enough.

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