Braves 1B Matt Olson ties franchise HR record


Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson hit his major-league-leading 51st home run of the season against the host Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night, tying the single-season franchise record.

Andruw Jones also ripped 51 homers in a season for Atlanta, doing so in 2005.

Olson led off the top of the fourth by blasting the first pitch he saw from Phillies starter Zack Wheeler over the left-center-field fence. His 367-foot shot drew the Braves even at 1-1.

Olson, 29, also leads the majors in RBIs with 128 RBIs. He entered Tuesday batting .279 with a .386 on-base percentage and a .614 slugging percentage.

Last year, Olson finished with 34 homers in his first season with Atlanta. He spent his first six major league seasons (2016-21) with the Oakland Athletics.

The Braves are 94-50 and have already clinched a playoff spot. They are four wins away from securing the National League East crown.