Braves Pound Guardians 13-1 in Offensive Outburst

Atlanta tallies 19 hits, including homers from Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:58am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, red, and yellow, capturing the energy and movement of a baseball game in an abstract, deconstructed manner.The Braves' offensive onslaught against the Guardians is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action into a dynamic, geometric display.St. Petersburg Today

The Atlanta Braves cruised to a 13-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday night, pounding out 19 hits in the lopsided win. Dominic Smith homered and Jorge Mateo collected four hits to lead the Braves' offensive onslaught.

Why it matters

The Braves remain the only team in Major League Baseball that has not lost a series this season, further cementing their status as an early favorite in the National League. Meanwhile, the Guardians' loss continues their uneven start to the year.

The details

Atlanta starter Chris Sale pitched six solid innings, scattering eight hits and allowing just one run. The Braves' offense was led by Ozzie Albies, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, and Mauricio Dubon, who also had three hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee struggled, giving up eight runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

  • The game was played on Sunday night, April 13, 2026.

The players

Chris Sale

The Braves' starting pitcher, who earned the win by pitching six strong innings.

Dominic Smith

The Braves' slugger who hit a home run in the game.

Jorge Mateo

The Braves' outfielder who collected four hits in the victory.

Tanner Bibee

The Guardians' starting pitcher, who took the loss after giving up eight runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Ozzie Albies

The Braves' second baseman who went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.

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What they’re saying

“We must keep up this level of offensive production if we want to maintain our position atop the division.”

— Dominic Smith, Braves Outfielder

“Our pitching staff just didn't have it tonight, and against a team as hot as the Braves, that's a recipe for disaster.”

— Terry Francona, Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Braves will look to continue their hot start when they host the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series beginning on Tuesday. The Guardians, meanwhile, will try to bounce back when they welcome the Detroit Tigers to town for a four-game set starting on Monday.

The takeaway

The Braves' offensive outburst against the Guardians underscores their status as an early juggernaut in the National League. With a lineup that can produce 19 hits and 13 runs on any given night, Atlanta appears poised to make a deep playoff run in 2026.