Diamondbacks Seek Offensive Spark to Avoid Braves Sweep

Arizona looks to bounce back after being held to just two hits in Friday's loss.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:25pm

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The Arizona Diamondbacks will need a big offensive performance on Saturday to avoid being swept by the Atlanta Braves. Arizona has struggled to score runs, being held to two or fewer runs in five of its first eight games, including a 2-0 loss to the Braves on Friday. The Diamondbacks will turn to right-hander Michael Soroka, who impressed in his Arizona debut, while the Braves will counter with Bryce Elder, who has been strong to start the season.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' inability to generate offense has been a concerning trend early in the season. They'll need to find a way to support their pitching staff and avoid falling too far behind in the NL West standings. Meanwhile, the Braves are off to a 6-2 start and look to continue their strong play.

The details

In Friday's loss, the Diamondbacks were held to just two singles as Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers off Paul Sewald in the ninth inning to break a scoreless tie. Olson's homer was his second in as many games. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the team's offensive struggles, saying the focus is on 'how we can get this team going offensively.' Arizona will be without outfielder Jordan Lawlar for the next 6-8 weeks after he suffered a broken right wrist when hit by a pitch on Thursday.

  • The four-game series between the Diamondbacks and Braves continues on Saturday, April 6, 2026.
  • In Friday's series opener, the Braves defeated the Diamondbacks 2-0.

The players

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ozzie Albies

The second baseman for the Atlanta Braves who hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of Friday's game.

Matt Olson

The first baseman for the Atlanta Braves who also hit a home run in the ninth inning of Friday's game.

Paul Sewald

The relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who gave up the two ninth-inning home runs in Friday's loss.

Jordan Lawlar

The 23-year-old outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who suffered a broken right wrist and will miss 6-8 weeks.

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What they’re saying

“The main focus I have right now is how we can get this team going offensively. There's some guys that have been very proven, there's some guys that we're waiting to get going. We feel like it's a matter of time before that happens.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

“We're just having fun and being together as a team.”

— Ozzie Albies

What’s next

The Diamondbacks and Braves will continue their four-game series on Saturday, April 6, 2026. Arizona will look to even the series and avoid the sweep.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' inability to generate consistent offense has been a concerning trend early in the season. They'll need to find a way to support their pitching staff and avoid falling too far behind in the NL West standings. Meanwhile, the Braves' strong start has them positioned well in the NL East.