Atlanta delivered a powerful offensive display Friday, crushing Boston 15-8 in spring training action at North Port, Florida, led by Mike Yastrzemski’s two-homer performance and Ronald Acuna Jr.’s grand slam.
Yastrzemski, grandson of Red Sox Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, connected for home runs in both the second and fourth innings, bringing his spring total to three long balls in four contests. The Braves erupted for an explosive 11-run third inning, with Acuna and Matt Olson both going deep to build a commanding 13-3 advantage.
Atlanta pitcher Chris Sale struggled in his outing, surrendering three runs on three hits across 2 2/3 innings, though he outperformed Boston’s Brayan Bello, who was hammered for five runs in just two frames. The Red Sox managed five home runs from Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Marcelo Mayer, Nathan Hickey and Tyler McDonough.
In other spring action, the Yankees demolished Minnesota 17-5 in Fort Myers, with Spencer Jones joining four other New York players in the home run parade. Jones drove in three runs and scored twice, launching his third spring homer. New York seized control early with an 8-1 second-inning lead on homers by Jasson Dominguez and J.C. Escarra, while Luis Gil earned the victory with one run allowed over 2 1/3 innings.
Pittsburgh rallied late to defeat Baltimore 6-1 in Bradenton, despite an impressive debut from Orioles newcomer Shane Baz. The right-hander, acquired from Tampa Bay in December for four prospects and a draft pick, was flawless through 2 1/3 hitless innings with four strikeouts. Pirates starter Mitch Keller matched that performance with four strikeouts over 2 1/3 scoreless frames, and Termarr Johnson delivered a crucial two-run single in a five-run seventh inning.
Tampa Bay edged Toronto 6-5 in Port Charlotte, with former Oriole Cedric Mullins making an impact in his new uniform. Mullins drove in two early runs and hit his first home run as a Ray in the third inning. Junior Caminero contributed a two-run single in the first, and Ryan Vilade provided the game-winner with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly.
The Mets overwhelmed St. Louis 14-3 in Jupiter, powered by MJ Melendez’s back-to-back home runs and four RBIs. A.J. Ewing also homered while driving in three runs for New York, which received three shutout innings from Freddy Peralta. Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt, ranked as the organization’s top prospect, homered for his first spring hit.
Philadelphia’s split squad defeated Miami 10-2 in Clearwater behind 14 hits, including two each from Trea Turner and Adolis Garcia. The Phillies collected six doubles and got contributions from 10 different hitters while building a 4-0 first-inning lead for veteran Aaron Nola. Meanwhile, Detroit’s other split squad crushed Philadelphia 16-8 in Lakeland with an 11-run sixth inning explosion.
Los Angeles Angels narrowly beat Cincinnati 4-3 in Goodyear, with Logan O’Hoppe’s two-run homer leading the way. Denzer Guzman added an RBI double, and Brent Suter held the Reds to one run over two innings. Chicago’s White Sox split squad topped Texas 3-1 in Glendale on LaMonte Wade Jr.’s two-run blast.
Colorado walked off against San Diego 3-2 in Scottsdale as Zac Veen delivered his second spring training walk-off homer. The 24-year-old outfielder, who gained attention for adding 43 pounds in the offseason, has become a fan favorite after overcoming substance abuse challenges.
Milwaukee defeated Chicago’s other split squad 5-2 in Phoenix, with Luis Rengifo driving in two runs including a solo homer. The Cubs topped Cleveland 8-6 in Mesa behind Dansby Swanson’s three RBIs, while Kansas City edged Oakland 7-6 in Surprise on Bobby Witt Jr.’s three-run homer. San Francisco capped the day with a 12-4 rout of the Dodgers in Scottsdale, collecting 14 hits including Victor Bericoto’s three-run blast.
