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Olson's walk-off lifts Braves; Cardinals complete four-game sweep

PUBLISHED Apr 30, 2026, 3:59 AM ET

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Sources: 9

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Sources: 9

Atlanta — Matt Olson delivered a two-run, ninth-inning home run that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 4-3 walk-off victory over the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, with Ozzie Albies reaching base ahead of Olson and Reynaldo Lopez recording scoreless relief to secure the win. In Pittsburgh Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pirates 10-5 to complete a four-game sweep, led by homers and multi-hit efforts. The immediate consequences include a credited win for Lopez and a loss added to Kenley Jansen's season record Wednesday, and a setback for Paul Skenes Thursday after allowing five runs in five innings; both outcomes affect bullpen workload and short-term rotation decisions as teams prepare for upcoming divisional matchups this week and adjust roster usage accordingly.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Wednesday: Ozzie Albies walks to lead off ninth inning against Detroit.
Wednesday: Matt Olson hits a 397-foot two-run walk-off homer for Atlanta.
Wednesday: Reynaldo Lopez records the win in scoreless relief; Kenley Jansen takes the loss.
Thursday: JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker homer as Cardinals score early against Pittsburgh.
Thursday: Cardinals finish 10-5 win to complete four-game sweep; Paul Skenes allowed five runs.

News Intelligence

These games impact your favorite teams' standings and strategies. If you're a Braves or Cardinals fan, it's a good week. If you're rooting for the Tigers or Pirates, not so much. It also affects fantasy baseball players' stats and decisions.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

The Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals benefited immediately, gaining game wins that improved short-term standings and momentum while their hitters and relievers earned recognition for late-game contributions.

Who Impacted

The Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the affected closers and starters (including Kenley Jansen and Paul Skenes) suffered losses that increased bullpen strain and negatively affected pitching records.

Media Bias