Braves Overcome Five-Run Deficit to Beat Rockies 8-6 in Denver Opener

Key facts

• The Braves scored eight unanswered runs after trailing 6-0 in the second inning.
• Michael Harris hit a pinch-hit two-run home run in the ninth inning to seal the 8-6 victory.
• Grant Holmes allowed six runs on seven hits over five innings for Atlanta.
• Colorado's first six batters reached base in a five-run first inning.
• The Braves lead MLB with 185 runs scored and rank first in the NL with a 132 ERA+.
• Chris Sale (5-1, 2.31 ERA) is scheduled to start Saturday for Atlanta against Rockies opener Brennan Bernardino (2-0, 0.71 ERA).

A Wild Comeback at Coors Field

The Atlanta Braves mounted a stunning comeback on Friday night, erasing a 6-0 deficit to defeat the Colorado Rockies 8-6 at Coors Field. The Rockies jumped out to a five-run first inning, with their first six hitters reaching base, and extended the lead to 6-0 after two innings. But the Braves' offense, which leads MLB with 185 runs scored, chipped away relentlessly and delivered the decisive blow in the ninth inning.

Harris Delivers the Dagger

With the game tied 6-6 in the top of the ninth, pinch-hitter Michael Harris launched a two-run home run to put Atlanta ahead for good. The blast capped a night of resilience for the Braves, who were held scoreless only in the first two frames. The Rockies, meanwhile, were shut out over the final seven innings after their explosive start.

Pitching Matchup and Early Struggles

Braves starter Grant Holmes struggled, allowing six runs on seven hits over five innings, but the bullpen held Colorado scoreless the rest of the way. Holmes, who entered with a 3.62 ERA, has now allowed 20 hits in 27 1/3 innings this season. The Rockies' Jose Quintana, making his second home start of the season, surrendered four runs (two earned) on eight hits over five innings, including two home runs. Quintana's ERA stands at 4.91, his worst since 2021.

Saturday's Showdown: Sale vs. Bernardino

The series continues Saturday at 8:10 p.m. EDT, with Atlanta ace Chris Sale (5-1, 2.31 ERA) taking the mound. The 2024 NL Cy Young winner has allowed one or fewer runs in five of his six starts this season. Colorado will counter with lefty Brennan Bernardino as an opener, likely followed by Chase Dollander. Bernardino has a 0.71 ERA in 12 2/3 innings, while Dollander owns a 2.25 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 32 innings.

Injury Report and Rockies' Roster Moves

The Rockies placed right-handers Ryan Feltner (right ulnar nerve inflammation) and RJ Petit (right elbow UCL strain) on the 15-day injured list. On the 60-day IL are right-handers Jeff Criswell (torn right elbow ligament), McCade Brown (right shoulder inflammation), and Pierson Ohl (right UCL repair), as well as designated hitter Kris Bryant (lumbar degenerative disk disease).

What's at Stake for Both Teams

The Braves, who hold MLB's best record, are in the midst of a nine-game West Coast road trip, their longest of the season. The Rockies, at 14-19, have shown improved pitching but remain near the bottom of the NL West. Friday's loss snapped a brief winning streak and highlighted the challenge of facing Atlanta's potent lineup.

The bottom line

• The Braves' comeback from a 6-0 deficit underscores their offensive depth and resilience, led by Michael Harris's pinch-hit homer.
• Grant Holmes' inconsistency remains a concern for Atlanta, but the bullpen's shutdown performance was key.
• Chris Sale will start Saturday, giving the Braves a strong chance to take the series against a Rockies team using an opener.
• Colorado's early offensive explosion was wasted as their pitching and bullpen could not hold the lead.
• The Braves lead MLB in runs scored and rank first in the NL in ERA+, while the Rockies' pitching staff ranks fifth in the league.