On Sunday, the Atlanta Braves beat the Texas Rangers by a score of 8-5 at Truist Park.
With the win, they took two out of three in the series.
Austin Riley had a huge day, finishing with two home runs and four RBIs.
ATL Braves Star Riley Makes Honest Statement
GettyAustin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves rounds third base after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park on July 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
After the game, Riley made an honest statement when he met with the media (h/t Bossman Show).
Reporter: “You talked about the work you’ve put in. To have this series right after the break. Were you doing more work during the All-Star break on your swing?”
Riley: “No, I actually didn’t do anything over the break. Just more of a mental break… That first half it beat me up pretty good. Just a clear mind, working on a few things, lower half… It’s not one thing. It’s a combination of things that we’ve been working on all season. Building the muscle memory… You can do the right moves in the cage and everything looks right… Then you get out there face a hundred and it’s tough to repeat those movements without thinking about them. When you’re thinking about mechanics and trying to hit a hundred, it’s hard. Being able to build some muscle memory there on a few things and just going out there and focusing on what the pitcher is trying to do. It’s encouraging.”
Riley was once among the best hitters in the National League.
That said, he has struggled over the last few seasons (and in a big way this year).
Right now, the two-time MLB All-Star is batting .217 with 77 hits, 12 home runs, 47 RBIs, 43 runs and six stolen bases in 98 games.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com wrote during the game: “Austin Riley has homered in both of his first two plate appearances against Nathan Eovaldi. This is his second multihomer game of the year, first since April 17. Is it still bold to predict he’ll hit 25-plus? He’s at 12 now.”
Braves After Sunday’s Win
GettyAustin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves hits a 2-RBI single against the Texas Rangers at Truist Park on July 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Braves are at the top of the National League East with a 57-41 record in 98 games.
They will host the San Diego Padres on Monday.
Atlanta Braves Star Austin Riley Makes Honest Statement After Rangers Game