.jpg)
20 hours ago
3
The Atlanta Braves opened the season with an impressive win, shutting out the Kansas City Royals and showcasing just how potent their offense can be. On Saturday, however, the Braves were held scoreless for eight innings before everything changed in the ninth, capped off by a sentimental grand slam from Dominic Smith.
“Braves Dominic Smith revealed tonight's game was extra emotional. He lost his mother to cancer two weeks ago. The fan who caught the walk-off grand slam ball returned it to Smith,” Grant McAuley posted.
Smith had faced the Braves numerous times throughout his career, but this marked the first time he contributed to a win for Atlanta. After the game, he expressed just how meaningful the moment was.
“It's just amazing," said Smith. "Played against the Braves for a long time, and being on the other side a lot of these endings kind of hurt, so to be on the right side of it this time was so fun."
The Braves are now undefeated to start the season after failing to win during the opening week in 2025. Atlanta’s offense is already showing strong form, and Smith’s walk-off home run placed him in the history books.
“Dominic Smith is the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his team debut, per Elias,” the Braves posted.
Saturday night will be unforgettable for Smith, who has already endured so much this season. Moments like these have a way of bringing teams together, and this one could serve as a unifying spark for Atlanta.
The Braves will now look to complete a sweep of the Royals and build momentum from Smith’s historic walk-off grand slam. After a disappointing 2025 season, Atlanta appears to be off to a strong start in 2026.
More MLB news:
English (US)