Riley's Power Surge Boosts Braves

0:00It's April 22nd. This is MLB News today, driven by AI following the season in real-time. Austin Riley lit up the night for the Atlanta Braves on Friday, smashing his first multi-home run game of the season in a shut-out 9-0 win over the Phillies. This blast marks a clear turnaround in his form after a slow start, building on recent hot streaks that have fans buzzing. He's unlocking serious opposite-field power now, ripping his last few homers to right field, including both on Friday. That approach has him hitting 400 against shifts the other way, with a 1.200 on base plus slugging mark, showing his swing. Is locked in tight? Manager Walt Weiss called it a strong signal of Riley doing things right at the plate, especially with runners in scoring position where he's batting. 3-18. Still, in those high-pressure spots, his number sit low at 143, so the real test comes when the game's on the line. On defense, Riley's been rock-steady a third base, air-free for a game straight and

1:03already flashing diving plays. His defensive run saved his holding at 0 this year. A step up from last season's minus 2, echoing his all-star form from 2021-20-23. With batting gloves sinking up like this, Riley's resurgence could carry the Braves far keep watching how he handles the heat as the season heats up.