Braves power to 6-1 win over D-backs, maintain NL East lead

PHOENIX (AP) — Austin Riley wasn't sure he belonged in the big leagues back in 2019. These days, he's one of the best in the business.

Riley launched his 30th homer of the season, Ozzie Albies added another two-run shot and the Atlanta Braves held their NL East lead by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1 on Tuesday night.

“That’s pretty cool to say," Riley said of hitting the 30-homer mark. "After last season and the way 2019 ended, you have your doubts and stuff. To put together — so far — a pretty good season, it’s special.

"But we’ve got other things on our mind.”

Jorge Soler added a solo homer for the Braves, who won their third in a row and stayed three games ahead of second-place Philadelphia. The Phillies beat Baltimore 3-2 earlier in the day.

Riley hit his two-run shot in the first inning, a drive deep into the left-center field stands. The 24-year-old third baseman continues to evolve into a cornerstone for the Braves lineup, batting .300 with 94 RBIs. It's a big change from his first two big league seasons, when the prospect's inconsistency was an issue.

“You love that kid, where he’s come from,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He's hung in there and gave himself a chance.”

Albies hit a shot far into the right-field seats in the third. He's up to 29 homers this season and has 97 RBIs.

Soler's homer was his 24th season and 11th since coming to the Braves in a midseason deal with the Kansas City Royals. Snitker recently put Soler at the top of the lineup after a few slow games for the offense and the move has paid off with two straight wins over the Diamondbacks.

Even without star Ronald Acuna Jr., who is out for the year with a knee injury, Atlanta has flashed a powerful lineup. Six of their eight...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Braves-power-to-6-1-win-over-D-backs-maintain-NL-16477926.php