Soroka's Gem Lifts Diamondbacks Over Braves

Arizona scores two unearned runs to edge Atlanta 2-1

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:22am

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Michael Soroka threw five strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits, as the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the visiting Atlanta Braves 2-1 on Saturday. The Diamondbacks scored a pair of unearned runs off Braves starter Bryce Elder, who went seven innings but took the loss despite a solid outing.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Diamondbacks, who had dropped the first two games of the series against the Braves. Soroka, a former Brave, earned his first win against his former team. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Braves.

The details

Soroka (2-0) struck out three and walked three, while the Diamondbacks' bullpen retired the final 14 Atlanta batters. Elder (1-1) gave up four hits, struck out eight, and walked one, but an error by the Braves defense led to two unearned runs in the second inning. Gabriel Moreno had half of Arizona's four hits, going 2-for-3 with two singles.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Michael Soroka

The starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who earned the win with five strong innings against his former team, the Atlanta Braves.

Bryce Elder

The starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, who took the loss despite a solid outing, going seven innings and allowing just two unearned runs.

Gabriel Moreno

The Diamondbacks' catcher, who went 2-for-3 with two singles and accounted for half of his team's hits.

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What they’re saying

“This was a big win for us, especially after dropping the first two games of the series. Soroka really set the tone and our bullpen did a great job closing it out.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

What’s next

The Braves will look to clinch the series on Sunday in the final game of the three-game set.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of strong pitching and timely defense, as the Diamondbacks were able to capitalize on an Atlanta error to score the winning runs. The loss was a setback for the Braves, who had been on a roll to start the season.