Cobb Reporter

Eddie Rosario rejoined the Atlanta Braves on Monday, marking his return with a pivotal performance reminiscent of his 2021 postseason heroics. "I’m so happy to be here to see my teammates and my friends," Rosario said. "I feel great. I play to win. I never get down."

Rosario's two-out single in the ninth inning set up Sean Murphy's game-tying two-run homer off Paul Sewald, leading to a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in 11 innings, capped by Marcell Ozuna’s game-winning sacrifice fly.

"We were kind of lying dead in the weeds there," Braves manager Brian Snitker commented on the team's comeback.

The Braves avoided another subpar offensive outing and celebrated an exciting win instead. "Hopefully that one leads to some more momentum going forward," Murphy stated.

Bryce Elder pitched effectively through five innings, Austin Riley hit his ninth home run in 23 games, Matt Olson made a crucial defensive play, and Raisel Iglesias provided two scoreless innings. Murphy's decisive hit against Sewald marked Sewald's third consecutive blown save opportunity.

This victory was notable as it was the first time since April 17 that the Braves won a game after allowing four or more runs, ending a streak of 28 losses under such conditions.

Rosario had just been released by the Washington Nationals last week before signing a Minor League deal with Atlanta on Friday. He spent the weekend with Triple-A Gwinnett before rejoining Atlanta’s roster. "That’s awesome in his first day to come up and get a big hit to bring the tying run to the plate," Snitker said.

Rosario will need consistent performance to secure his spot with the team long-term. Despite previous struggles this season with Washington, where he batted .183 over 235 plate appearances, Rosario remains optimistic about his role with Atlanta.

"To be a member of this organization is a privilege," Rosario remarked. "So, I feel very grateful for this opportunity I’ve been given."

Murphy praised Rosario's hitting ability: "Eddie can hit just about any pitch and he knows it... He’s dangerous wherever you throw it."

While Rosario has faced challenges both offensively and defensively this year, his past success with Atlanta offers hope for another impactful stint. The Guardians traded him in 2021 primarily for payroll relief; he later became an icon for Atlanta during their World Series run.

"My friends and my brothers are here," Rosario concluded.