All-Star Marcell Ozuna prepared for the Home Run Derby by hitting two impressive home runs of 413 and 422 feet. Orlando Arcia added a two-run homer for the Atlanta Braves, who defeated the San Diego Padres 6-1 on Friday night. It was Atlanta’s fifth win in seven games.
Ozuna’s first homer, a 413-foot shot to left field off Matt Waldron (5-8), tied the game at 1 in the fifth inning. He then launched a 422-foot homer to center field off Enyel De Los Santos in the ninth inning. This season, Ozuna has hit a total of 26 home runs and was selected as an All-Star reserve, looking forward to participating in Monday night’s Home Run Derby.
When asked about the Derby, Ozuna expressed readiness, saying, “Yeah, 100%. I’m going to have fun and set an example for my kids.”
Last year, Ozuna hit a career-high 40 home runs and previously homered in both games of a doubleheader against the Padres in May.
“I don’t try to hit home runs,” Ozuna commented. “I just try to hit the ball on the barrel. I put a very good swing on it and feel happy.”
Rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach admired Ozuna’s display of power, remarking, “It’s always fun. He always has great at-bats and hammers baseballs. I guess he’s ready for the Derby.”
In addition to his home runs, Ozuna set a Braves record with 77 RBIs before the All-Star break.
Manager Brian Snitker praised Ozuna’s achievements, saying, “I couldn’t be happier. That’s some good company there, too, the guys he passed. I’m proud of him and happy for him, everything he accomplishes.”
Meanwhile, the Padres lost their fifth consecutive game, dropping their record to just one game above .500.
After Ozuna’s homer in the fifth inning, Adam Duvall doubled, advanced on Eddie Rosario’s sacrifice bunt, and scored on Travis d’Arnaud’s single to right field. Arcia then followed with a 401-foot homer to left-center field, his seventh of the season, as Ozuna cheered from the dugout.
