Michael Harris II delivered a three-run home run and recorded his eighth consecutive multi-hit game, helping the Atlanta Braves crush the Cleveland Guardians 10-1 on Saturday night. This milestone highlights Harris’s impressive consistency during the Braves’ strong offensive performance at Cleveland.
The Braves unleashed 13 hits and scored 10 runs over the first six innings, with contributions from Marcell Ozuna, Nacho Alvarez Jr., Matt Olson, and Drake Baldwin. Guardians’ starter Slade Cecconi (5-6) struggled early, allowing eight runs, six of them earned, before being pulled from the game.
Harris Matches Club Record for Consecutive Multi-Hit Games
In the fifth inning, Harris launched a home run, then doubled in the sixth to tie the franchise record for consecutive multi-hit games at eight. The previous Braves player to reach this mark was Chris Johnson in 2013. Harris is currently batting an impressive .486 through his nine-game hitting streak.
Cleveland entered the series just half a game behind the New York Yankees for the last American League wild-card spot but has failed to gain a lead in both games so far.
Strong Pitching Performance Supports Braves’ Offense
Starting pitcher Joey Wentz (4-3) earned his second straight win by allowing only one run and three hits over six innings. The left-hander struck out five batters and walked two, marking his 11th career appearance against Cleveland and his third this season. Reliever Hunter Stratton closed the final three innings to earn his first save.
Guardians’ Efforts Unable to Slow Braves’ Momentum
Brayan Rocchio’s solo homer in the third inning narrowed the deficit to 3-1, but Atlanta responded quickly with two runs in the fourth, three in the fifth, and two more in the sixth inning to pull away decisively. Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Nick Allen each collected three hits, while Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozuna, and Harris each added two hits to the Braves’ balanced attack.
Cleveland Struggles Against Braves’ Offense and Pitching
Slade Cecconi was forced to exit after 4⅔ innings, having given up 10 hits, three strikeouts, and two walks. He remains winless in five starts since mid-July, holding an 0-2 record with a 6.41 ERA over that stretch. The Braves, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, remain the only teams ever to avoid losing a series in Cleveland. Atlanta also took the opener 2-0 thanks to a strong combined two-hit performance led by rookie Hurston Waldrep.
Implications for Braves’ Momentum and Playoff Chase
Michael Harris II’s continued hot streak reflects the Braves’ recent dominance, contributing to their seven wins in the last eight games. Their ability to combine potent hitting with reliable pitching against a playoff-contending Guardians team bodes well for Atlanta’s push in the season. The Braves look poised to maintain their strong form as the postseason race intensifies.