Marcell Ozuna Leads National League with 9 Home Runs, 27 RBIs Through April 23

Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves is off to a scorching start in the 2024 MLB season, leading the National League with 9 home runs and 27 RBIs through games played on April 23. Ozuna's strong performance has been a key factor in the Braves' early success, as they sit atop the NL East standings.

In the Braves' 4-3 extra-inning win over the Miami Marlins on April 24, Ozuna went 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs, raising his season total to a league-leading 29 RBIs. His clutch hitting helped the Braves complete a three-game sweep of the Marlins, improving their record to 17-6, the best in baseball. Michael Harris II delivered the game-winning double in the 10th inning to score Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves starter Reynaldo López had another strong outing, allowing just 1 run and 3 hits over 7 innings. However, the Marlins rallied to tie the game in the 9th inning off closer Raisel Iglesias. Austin Riley made a crucial defensive play in the top of the 10th, and A.J. Minter stranded two runners to set up Harris' heroics.

Why this matters: Ozuna's hot start has put him in the early conversation for the National League MVP award, along with other standout players like Juan Soto, Bobby Witt Jr., and Mike Trout. His production has been a bright spot for the Braves as they look to maintain their lead in a competitive NL East division.

Ozuna's slugging percentage of.556 over his past 10 games, including three home runs, demonstrates his consistent power hitting. As the Braves prepare to face the Marlins again on April 25, with Sixto Sanchez on the mound for Miami, they will look to Ozuna to continue his offensive dominance. The Braves enter the game as heavy favorites, with a moneyline of -267 and a 1.5-run spread at -134 odds.

Key Takeaways

• Marcell Ozuna leads NL with 9 HRs, 27 RBIs through April 23
• Ozuna's 3-for-4, 2 RBI performance helped Braves sweep Marlins
• Braves have MLB's best record at 17-6 after 10th-inning win
• Ozuna's hot start puts him in early NL MVP conversation
• Braves heavy favorites (-267 ML, -134 1.5-run) vs Marlins on April 25