The Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves continue their series at Truist Park on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in a matchup that pits two teams with contrasting recent form and postseason expectations. Arizona enters the game riding a strong wave of momentum after winning the first three games of the series, including a 2–1 pitchers’ duel in the previous contest, where Merrill Kelly tossed seven shutout innings and the bullpen locked down the final frames with poise and command. At 41–34, the Diamondbacks have pushed their way into the Wild Card race by executing a consistent formula of solid starting pitching, clutch situational hitting, and a bullpen that has dramatically improved its reliability since the first month of the season. Their offense, led by Corbin Carroll, Josh Naylor, and Eugenio Suárez, has been opportunistic and effective in high-leverage moments, producing enough runs to win close games while maintaining the ability to swing momentum with a single inning. On the other side, the Braves sit at 38–36, having stumbled in key situations throughout this series and continuing to search for answers in their rotation and bullpen. Spencer Strider, expected to start Game 2, has not yet recorded a win this season and has struggled to work deep into games due to command issues and inefficient pitch counts, placing additional strain on a relief corps that has been inconsistent.

Atlanta’s offense, while still powerful on paper with Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies, has cooled significantly, averaging under three runs per game over their last ten and failing to convert with runners in scoring position, particularly at home. The Braves are just 3–7 ATS over their last ten home games and have struggled to protect leads late, giving Arizona a prime opportunity to apply pressure once again. With the over/under set at 9 and only three of the last ten matchups between these teams going over that mark, this game sets up as another low-scoring contest unless one of the bullpens falters or a starter loses command early. Arizona will likely counter with Brandon Pfaadt or Zac Gallen—both capable of suppressing hard contact and controlling the tempo through five or six innings—putting the game in the hands of a bullpen that has recently thrived in high-leverage environments. The key to this game lies in the middle innings: if Atlanta can jump on Arizona’s starter early and chase him before the sixth, they can shift the momentum and give their relievers a cushion to protect. Conversely, if the Diamondbacks continue to grind at-bats, wear down Strider, and get to the Braves’ pen with a lead, they’ll be positioned to close out the series and take a commanding sweep on the road. With both teams fighting for postseason position, this game has weight beyond the series—it’s a test of mental toughness, bullpen depth, and the ability to respond under pressure as the summer heats up.