The Atlanta Braves hit an important, if modest, milestone Tuesday night, evening their record at 21–21 after a 5–2 victory over the Washington Nationals.
At first glance, reaching .500 might not seem like a major feat—but given how the season started, it carries real significance.
After opening the year with seven straight losses, Atlanta has clawed back to even, becoming just the fifth team in MLB history to rebound from an 0–7 start, according to David O’Brien of The Athletic. Even more impressive, they managed the turnaround in just 42 games—the second-fastest pace ever for such a recovery.
The moment wasn’t so much celebrated as acknowledged, with Braves manager Brian Snitker offering a frank reflection on where the team stands. The night also marked a breakout performance for rookie catcher Drake Baldwin, who notched three hits, including a pivotal two-run homer.
Braves Finding Their Footing
Ozzie Albies snapped a prolonged 0-for-28 drought with an RBI single, and rookie starter Spencer Schwellenbach delivered a strong seven-inning outing, offering a dose of stability to a rotation that has struggled to settle.
The win also snapped a quirky seven-game streak of alternating one-run outcomes. For a team still searching for consistency, the result brought a sense of balance amid a chaotic early season.
Encouraging Signs from Afar
Meanwhile, 500 miles south in North Port, Florida, Ronald Acuña Jr. gave Braves fans something to cheer about. In his first rehab game since tearing his ACL last May, Acuña launched a home run and looked sharp against a teenage countryman in rookie ball. He’s now set to join Triple-A Gwinnett and could return to the majors sooner than expected.
Back in Atlanta, Snitker kept things in perspective.
“We got off to a rough start, no doubt. But I’m proud of how this team has battled back,” he said. “Yeah, we’re back at .500, and that’s nice, but it’s not the goal. We’re starting to play better, more consistently.”
Snitker added, “We haven’t hit our stride yet—and maybe that’s a good thing. If we’ve done this much already and still have room to improve, our best baseball is still ahead.”
Since their 0–7 start, the Braves have posted a 21–14 record—the second-best mark in the National League during that span. And while the offense hasn’t fully clicked, Baldwin’s emergence adds depth to a veteran-heavy lineup. The anticipated return of Acuña could provide the spark they’ve been missing at the top of the order.
No team has ever reached the playoffs after starting 0–7, but the Braves are now in a position to challenge that narrative. They’re still ironing things out and working to find their rhythm—but Tuesday’s win may have marked a turning point, a shift from early-season turbulence to midseason potential.
The journey forward won’t be easy, but with renewed confidence and Acuña on the horizon, Snitker’s message is clear: the Braves have found their footing. Now, it’s about building momentum—and holding onto it.
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