DENVER — Jonah Heim contributed a home run, a double, and five RBIs as the Atlanta Braves defeated the Colorado Rockies 11-6 on Sunday. The victory marked the season debut for former Braves ace Spencer Strider, who returned from an oblique injury sustained during spring training. Strider pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, walking five and striking out six. Aaron Bummer relieved Strider and secured the win despite surrendering two runs in one inning.

The Braves overcame the absence of star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who was placed on the 10-day injured list before the game due to a strained left hamstring. Atlanta’s lineup produced throughout the contest, highlighted by Austin Riley’s bases-loaded RBI single and a sacrifice fly from Matt Olson in a pivotal three-run fifth inning that extended their lead to 6-4. Eli White also contributed by drawing a walk that brought in a run.

Colorado starting pitcher Kyle Freeland took the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits while issuing three walks and striking out seven across 4 1/3 innings. The Rockies received notable offensive efforts from Mickey Moniak, who hit two home runs — a solo shot in the fourth and a two-run blast in the eighth — as well as TJ Rumfield, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs.

In other Major League Baseball action, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Miami Marlins 7-2 in Miami. Bryson Stott hit a three-run homer during a six-run first inning, and Jesus Luzardo pitched into the seventh inning, yielding two runs on a home run by Esteury Ruiz. Chris Paddack took the loss for Miami after allowing multiple baserunners early in the game.

The New York Mets beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 in Anaheim. Mark Vientos hit two home runs, and Clay Holmes delivered 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts to earn the win. Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz allowed two runs on five hits over 6 1/3 innings.

In Washington, the Nationals edged the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 to avoid a three-game sweep. Nassim Nuñez drove in two runs with singles, and CJ Abrams contributed two hits and two runs scored. Zack Littell earned the win with 2 2/3 innings of relief, while Milwaukee’s Logan Henderson was charged with the loss after giving up two runs in six innings.

In high school sports, East Mountain secured the top seed in the Class 3A baseball tournament, with Sandia Prep seeded fifth. Eunice earned the No. 1 seed in 2A, and Magdalena leads the 1A bracket. In softball, teams from the South region dominate Class 5A, holding the top three seeds: Mayfield, Alamogordo, and Organ Mountain. Los Lunas clinched the fourth seed and will host a first-round pod alongside Cleveland, Hobbs, and Sandia, setting the stage for competitive matchups in the early rounds.

The state softball tournament features a pod format, with the top four seeds hosting groups of four teams. First-round losers are eliminated, while winners advance to quarterfinals and continue into the following week regardless of subsequent game results. Several metro-area teams, including Albuquerque High, La Cueva, Cibola, Volcano Vista, and St. Pius, will participate in various pods across the region.