After two games, former Saginaw Heritage star Spencer Schwellenbach’s name was mentioned in the same sentence as Cy Young.

Talk of post-season awards may be a bit premature after just two starts, but Schwellenbach’s performance Friday was Cy Young-worthy. The second-year right-hander led the Atlanta Braves to their first win of the season in Atlanta’s home opener, 10-0.

Schwellenbach, 24, allowed just two hits and no walks, striking out 10 in eight innings to earn the win. He threw 99 pitches, 73 for strikes in the longest outing of his major league career.

The former Nebraska two-way star has not allowed a run this season in two starts and had a perfect game Friday until the fifth inning. With two outs in the fifth, Liam Hicks, a Rule 5 pick from the Detroit Tigers, singled. Griffin Conine also singled in the seventh.

Schwellenbach struck out the side in the fourth inning as part of a run of five consecutive strikeouts.

In two games and 14 innings this season, Schwellenbach has allowed three hits, no runs and one walk, striking out 14.

ATLANTA – Federal authorities have charged five individuals with firearms-related offenses following a weeklong, multi-agency immigration enforcement operation in metro Atlanta, officials announced Friday.

The coordinated effort — which ran from March 24 to April 2 — was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Local law enforcement agencies also assisted.

What we know:

In total, authorities seized 13 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators say many of the firearms were headed for Mexico.

The following individuals were charged:

• Lucio Hernandez Mora, 45, of Riverdale, was charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States. He was arrested April 1 after agents found two firearms during a search of his residence.
• Cameron Vick, 22, of Atlanta, was indicted on nine counts of making false statements to a firearms dealer. Authorities believe the weapons he acquired — including two belt-fed M249S rifles — were destined for Mexico. He was arrested March 27.
• Bernice Macias Montes, 31, of Atlanta, was charged with making false statements to a firearms dealer. Five firearms were recovered from her home on March 27.
• Teresa Gonzales-Hoppo, 56, of Lithia Springs, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the U.S. A weapon was found in her home during a March 27 search.
• Carlos Sambrano, 28, of Rex, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Seven firearms were recovered from his residence that same day.

All five defendants have made their initial court appearances before federal magistrate judges in Atlanta.

What they’re saying:

“This initiative sends a strong message to those engaged in criminal activity, whether regarding immigration-related or firearms offenses,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “The determined ongoing and coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners will achieve measurable results in making our communities safer.”

HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank said the operation reflects “HSI’s unwavering commitment to upholding immigration laws and targeting illegal aliens allegedly possessing and trafficking in firearms.”

“By leveraging our partnerships and resources, we are identifying and apprehending those who exploit our immigration system to engage in criminal activities that threaten public safety and national security,” Schrank said.

Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons of the ATF added, “The success of these investigative efforts could not be accomplished without cohesive partnerships, which keep our communities safe.”

Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Atlanta Division, said the enforcement “sends a clear message to the Mexican drug cartels and their criminal associates, that keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.”

Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said the case “clearly illustrates the success that can be achieved when federal agencies unite their resources and expertise to combat violent criminals.”

Dig deeper:

The charges stem from Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and reduce violent crime. In Georgia, the initiative is coordinated by the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force.

The investigations were conducted with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, Georgia State Patrol, and a wide range of local police departments and sheriff’s offices across metro Atlanta.

Federal prosecutors from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) are handling the prosecutions.

What we don’t know:

It was unclear if any of the defendants had retained legal representation.

Their next court date was not immediately known.

ATLANTA – It’s safe to say this isn’t how the Braves or their fans envisioned the 2025 season beginning.

Atlanta is heading into its home opener at Truist Park with an 0-7 record — the only team in Major League Baseball still searching for its first win. The disappointing start included a four-game sweep in San Diego, capped by back-to-back shutouts, and three straight losses in Los Angeles, including a heartbreaking walk-off by the defending World Series champion Dodgers on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles, CA – April 02: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts with third base coach Dino Ebel #91 after a game winning walk off home run against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning as the Dodgers defeated the Braves 6-5 to win a

Many fans had high hopes after experts across the league predicted Atlanta would contend for another division title. But so far, the season has delivered more setbacks than success.

What we know:

The team was dealt a major blow when All-Star outfielder Jurickson Profar, a key offseason acquisition, was suspended for half the season after testing positive for a banned substance. That news came just as the Braves were struggling to find traction on the road.

Braves’ Jurickson Profar gets an 80-game ban for performance-enhancing drug use

Braves manager Brian Snitker remains focused on the long road ahead.

What they’re saying:

“We put ourselves in this hole, and we’ve got to work to get out of it,” Snitker said.

History, however, isn’t on Atlanta’s side. Of the 29 MLB teams that have started a season 0-7, none have made the playoffs.

Still, Braves fans are hoping home-field advantage and a return to familiar surroundings can provide a spark. The home opener begins a crucial stretch as Atlanta looks to rebound and salvage a season that hasn’t started the way anyone expected.

What’s next:

The game against the Miami Marlines starts at 7:15 p.m. today at Truist Park. 

Guide to the Atlanta Braves 2025 Home Opener – Friday, April 4

Schedule of Events:

Braves Walk: Begins at 4 p.m. at Silverspot Cinema in The Battery. Fans can line Battery Avenue to cheer on players and coaches as they parade to the First Base Gate.

Gates Open: 4:30 p.m.

First Pitch: 7:15 p.m., thrown by Braves legend Fred McGriff.

National Anthem: Performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, followed by a flyover from four T-38 jets.

7th Inning Stretch: “God Bless America” performed by Braves opera tenor Timothy Miller.

Other Details:

Parking: Strongly recommended to pre-purchase. On-site parking (credit card only) available after first pitch if space allows. Parking info here.

Watch on TV: FanDuel Sports Network South/Southeast.

Click here for more information about opening weekend.