Atlanta Braves Slugger Matt Olson Sets a Franchise Record

Just three batters after Ronald Acuña Jr. had to leave the game after being hit by a pitch, Matt Olson set a new franchise record on Tuesday evening against the Pirates. With a bases-loaded walk in the 6th inning, Olson recorded an RBI for the 11th consecutive game.

The previous franchise record, held by Freddie Freeman in 2019 and Sid Gordon in 1951, was 10 games.

Matt Olson has been on fire

In this 11-game span, Matt Olson has been on fire. Coming into Tuesday's game against the Pirates, Olson had slashed .400/.477/1.029 (yes, he SLUGGED 1.029), which was good for a 265 wRC+. He hit seven homers and knocked in 19 runs, which was more than both Freeman and Gordon on both accounts. Olson also walked seven times and only struck out eight times.

In Tuesday's game, Olson had already added a single before coming up to the plate with the bases loaded, drawing a five-pitch walk.

The walk also accounted for his 100th RBI of the season, just eight days into August. His career high in RBIs, set with Oakland in 2021, is 101, which he should break shortly. His total stats would be impressive for a full season, and the Braves still have a month and a half to go.

On the season, Olson has been the Braves' second-best hitter, next to Acuña Jr, slashing .266/.371/.604, good for a 154 wRC+. His 39 homers are second in the majors, next to some guy name Shohei Ohtani, who is totally doing normal stuff that happens every year.

A year after I declared him the most disappointing player for the Braves in 2022, Olson has made me shut my mouth (although it comes back open in awe every time he hits one of his many moonshots) and appreciate an incredible season by the Braves' 1B. I have already issued an apology for my ignorance.