Soroka's Strong Outing Lifts Diamondbacks Over Braves

Arizona scores two unearned runs to edge Atlanta 2-1

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:25am

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Michael Soroka threw five strong innings, allowing one run on four hits, and the Arizona Diamondbacks scored a pair of unearned runs to earn a 2-1 victory over the visiting Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Bryce Elder took the loss for the Braves despite throwing seven innings of two-run (zero earned) ball.

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 club, while the Diamondbacks' pitching staff retired the final 14 Atlanta batters to preserve the victory.

The details

Soroka (2-0) struck out three and walked three for Arizona. The Diamondbacks scored their two runs in the bottom of the second inning on an error by Braves pitcher Bryce Elder. Gabriel Moreno had half of Arizona's four hits, going 2-for-3 with two singles. The Braves' lone run came in the top of the second on Dominic Smith's RBI single.

  • 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, allowing one run on four hits.

Bryce Elder

The starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, who took the loss despite throwing seven innings of two-run (zero earned) ball.

Gabriel Moreno

The Diamondbacks' catcher, who went 2-for-3 with two singles.

Dominic Smith

The Braves' outfielder, who drove in the team's lone run with an RBI single in the second inning.

Matt Olson

The Braves' first baseman, who had the team's only extra-base hit with a double.

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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 pitching staff did a great job of shutting them down late.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

“We just couldn't get anything going offensively today. Bryce pitched well enough to win, but we made a couple of mistakes that ended up costing us. We'll look to bounce back tomorrow and try to take the series.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

What’s next

The Braves will look to clinch their third straight series to begin the season when the two teams meet again on Sunday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of strong pitching and timely defense, as the Diamondbacks were able to capitalize on the Braves' mistakes to secure the victory. It also showcased the competitive nature of the early-season matchup between these two NL playoff contenders.