ATLANTA — Gainesville's Reese Olson put on a show for family and friends Monday night at Truist Park.
The former North Hall standout tossed six innings of four-hit ball, striking out eight and left after 100 pitches clinging to a 1-0 lead.
But Ozzie Albies hit a go-ahead home run with two outs in the eighth and the Braves rallied for a 2-1 victory spoiling Olson's first-ever start in his home state.
Olson gave his cheering section of about 50 friends and family members ample highlights while never allowing more than one baserunner in an inning. Olson got a no-decision as the Tigers offense has scored just 26 runs in his 14 starts this season.
“I'm thankful to have so many people come out to support me,” Olson said. “I'm happy to get back on track after struggling for a few. ... I got ahead in the counts a little better.”
Albies hit his fifth homer of the season off right-hander Shelby Miller (4-5).
Atlanta right-hander Daysbel Hernández (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett before the game, pitched a scoreless eighth. Joe Jiménez recorded the final three outs for his first save.
Olson allowed a combined 18 runs in an ugly string of three consecutive losses before returning to his more impressive early season form. Olson excelled against the Braves, his favorite team while growing up one hour north of Atlanta. The right-hander matched his season high in strikeouts while walking none.
After the Tigers pulled Olson to start the seventh, the Braves pulled even against right-hander Will Vest. Austin Riley led off the inning with his second double of the game. With two outs, Riley scored from third on a single to right field by Forrest Wall, also recalled from Gwinnett on Monday.
Atlanta left-hander Max Fried allowed one run on four hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings.
Andy Ibáñez opened the sixth with a single to right field off Fried. Following Fried's walk to Mark Canha, Greene's single to right field drove in Ibáñez, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead.
Trainer’s room
Braves: There had been plans to option RHP Hurston Waldrep to Triple-A Gwinnett before he reported having a sore arm following Sunday's 8-6 loss to Tampa Bay. Instead, the rookie was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Waldrep gave up six runs on five hits, including two homers with four walks in 3 1/3 innings of his second start in the majors. OF J.P. Martínez was optioned to Gwinnett.
Up next
Braves rookie RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (0-2, 6.32) will make his fourth start against Tigers RHP Casey Mize (1-4, 4.43) on Tuesday night.
(Charles Odom of the Associated Press contributed to this story.)
