While most fans were probably fast asleep, the Atlanta Braves took the Diamondbacks behind the woodshed Thursday night. Reynaldo Lopez gave the Braves five very decent innings, Osvaldo Bido went three innings to preserve most of the rest of the bullpen, and the offense exploded for 17 runs against a team that had previously been on a three-game winning streak. As it turns out, the Braves also made a bit of history along the way, which is a great sign for them going forward this season.
There were certainly some standout performers on offense for the Braves on Thursday. Matt Olson had three hits, including his first home run of the season, and five players (Olson, Austin Riley, Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Harris II, and Jorge Mateo) drove in at least two runs. However, it was the lineup's total effort that caught notice against Arizona and made a bit of history along the way.
Every starter for the Braves has at least 1 RBI tonight
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 3, 2026
This is the fourth time all 9 members of the Braves starting lineup have each had an RBI in a game since RBI official (1920), joining:
10/5/01
5/1/85
8/25/36
(Note: DH in the NL is still pretty new)
Somehow, stats guru and all-around terrific human Sarah Langs actually undersold the Braves a bit here. Yes, every member of the starting lineup had an RBI, but they also each had at least one hit AND one run scored. Not only is that something seldom seen in the game of baseball, but it bodes extremely well for Atlanta's chances in 2026.
Braves' balanced offensive outburst gives hope they will be able to weather injuries and rebound this season
One doesn't need a Stathead membership to realize that each member of a starting lineup having at least one hit, one run scored, and one RBI is exceedingly rare. So many things have to go right for that to happen, and even in blowouts like this game, there is usually at least one guy who has an off night. Instead, Atlanta was firing on all cylinders, and they did so without needing to rely on the long ball too much. However, when Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo both go deep, you know that things are going quite well.
It also speaks to what new manager Walt Weiss has been preaching all spring. Yes, home runs are great, and you have to be able to hit them to succeed, but that can't be the only way you score runs. Atlanta did hit four long balls on Thursday night, but those only accounted for five of the Braves' 17 runs. That'll play.
There were certainly big individual moments. Drake Baldwin has now scored in all seven games to start the season, tying a franchise record. Ozzie Albies had a big ABS challenge go his way that allowed the Braves to break the game open. However, it is their balanced offensive attack that was the true story of this win, and it should have fans very optimistic for the rest of the season.