Braves Suffer Historic 9th-Inning Collapse as Diamondbacks Seal Sweep

The Atlanta Braves, a team pegged as a top contender in 2025 MLB preseason rankings, suffered a jaw-dropping collapse against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. What started as a commanding 6-0 lead turned into a nightmare as the D-Backs roared back with seven runs in the ninth inning, clinching an 11-10 victory and a series sweep. This loss extends the Braves’ skid to four games, with 11 defeats in their last 14 outings.

The ninth-inning meltdown was a team effort—or lack thereof. Relief pitcher Scott Blewett coughed up five runs, four in the final frame, while closer Raisel Iglesias couldn’t seal the deal, surrendering three earned runs after entering with just one out. On the flip side, Kendall Graveman secured the win for Arizona, leaving Braves fans wondering where it all went wrong.

Hall of Famer and Braves analyst Tom Glavine didn’t mince words, calling this game a potential ‘rock bottom’ for the team. And it’s hard to disagree. Despite retaining a core of heavy hitters like Michael Harris, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Sean Murphy, along with Cy Young winner Chris Sale, the season has been a letdown for most of these stars—except Sale, who’s holding his own.

There’s a glimmer of hope in Ronald Acuna Jr., the 2023 MVP, who’s back from a knee injury and already smashing it with four home runs and a .333 batting average in 12 games. His return swing—a 467-foot homer—reminded everyone why he’s a game-changer. But even Acuna’s heroics couldn’t save this sinking ship.

Manager Brian Snitker, a Braves lifer with nearly 50 years in the organization and a 2021 World Series title under his belt, is facing heat for his in-game decisions this season. With his contract up at the end of 2025, whispers of retirement are growing louder, though he’s keeping mum on his plans.

Next up, the Braves head west to face the San Francisco Giants for a three-game series starting Friday. If they don’t turn things around soon, this season might be remembered for all the wrong reasons.