Location: Atlanta, Georgia
In a dramatic turn of events, the Atlanta Braves orchestrated an astounding comeback, rallying from a six-run deficit to defeat the visiting Chicago Cubs with a final score of 7-6 on Tuesday.
The game’s pivotal moment unfolded in the eighth inning when Braves right fielder Seiya Suzuki committed a critical error, dropping a fly ball that would ultimately cost the Cubs dearly. With runners positioned at second and third with two outs, Sean Murphy’s fly ball found itself misplayed by Suzuki, allowing Matt Olson and Forest Wall to cross the plate. These two unearned runs marked the turning point of the game, as the Braves completed their incredible rally.
Atlanta, who found themselves trailing 6-0 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, stunned the Cubs with their resolute performance, securing the victory and their 101st win of the season. This victory also leveled the season series between the Braves and the Cubs at 2-2.
The loss did little to dent the Cubs’ hopes of securing a National League wild card spot, as they retained a half-game lead over the Miami Marlins (81-75). The Marlins, with their scheduled road game against the New York Mets rained out, remain in contention for the final wild card spot.
The winning pitcher for the Braves was Brad Hand (5-2), who delivered a scoreless eighth inning. Raisel Iglesias, tasked with closing out the game in the ninth, allowed a one-out single but bounced back by striking out two Cubs hitters to earn his 31st save of the season.
In a game marked by dramatic swings, neither starting pitcher factored into the decision. Chicago’s Justin Steele displayed solid performance, pitching 5 1/3 innings and surrendering three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six Braves hitters. Atlanta’s Bryce Elder also had his moments, pitching 3 2/3 innings and giving up five runs on seven hits and four walks, striking out two Cubs batters.
The Cubs had seized an early lead, scoring twice in the second inning courtesy of RBI singles from Yan Gomes and Miles Mastrobuoni. In the third inning, they extended their lead to 4-0, with Seiya Suzuki delivering a triple that drove in two runs after a diving catch attempt by Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. came up short.
Chicago continued to build their lead, with Cody Bellinger adding to the score with a run-scoring single in the fourth inning, and Ian Happ contributing an RBI single in the sixth.
However, the Braves initiated their comeback in the sixth inning, cutting the deficit in half. Kevin Pillar ignited the rally with a lead-off home run, his ninth of the season. Notably, Pillar’s blast marked the Braves’ 300th home run of the season, placing them among the elite teams to achieve that milestone.
Later in the inning, Matt Olson chipped in with a run-scoring single, marking his major-league-leading 134th RBI of the season. Marcell Ozuna followed suit, adding to the Braves’ tally with a run-scoring double off the left-field wall.
The Braves continued their resurgence in the seventh inning, as Ronald Acuna belted a two-run homer, his 41st of the season. Atlanta now stands just six homers shy of tying the record set by the 2019 Minnesota Twins, adding another layer of excitement to their remarkable season.
As the Braves savor this improbable victory, their sights are set on the postseason, where they hope to build upon their resilient spirit and make a memorable playoff run. The fans in Atlanta are relishing each moment of this extraordinary season, cherishing the team’s never-say-die attitude that has defined their journey thus far.
