The Atlanta Braves continue to prove why they're the team to beat in the National League, delivering a masterclass in pitching and power on Tuesday night. In a showdown between the NL's elite, the Braves defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-2, thanks to a combined one-hitter from their staff and timely home runs from Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski.
Grant Holmes, making his first appearance since May 1, set the tone with four gritty innings. Despite allowing a solo homer to Alex Bregman and an RBI groundout to Moisés Ballesteros, Holmes battled through four walks and five strikeouts, leaving the game with a solid foundation. Then, the bullpen took over with surgical precision.
Didier Fuentes (2-0) was the star of the relief corps, tossing three scoreless innings to keep the Cubs at bay. Dylan Lee followed with a perfect eighth, and closer Raisel Iglesias slammed the door with a 1-2-3 ninth for his seventh save. Iglesias has been untouchable this season, extending his scoreless streak to 11 2/3 innings.
The Braves' offense came alive in the fifth inning, turning a 2-0 deficit into a lead they'd never surrender. Austin Riley launched a 409-foot solo homer to left field to tie the game, and moments later, Mike Yastrzemski crushed a two-run shot that landed in front of the Chop House restaurant in right field. Yastrzemski finished 2-for-2 with three RBIs, while Dominic Smith was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, scoring twice to help Atlanta improve to a major league-best 29-13.
The Cubs, now 27-15 and losers of three straight, couldn't find an answer. Starter Colin Rea (4-2) surrendered five runs on seven hits, including both Braves homers, striking out just one. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall to rob Riley of extra bases in the second inning, but it wasn't enough to slow down Atlanta's momentum.
Tuesday's game also carried emotional weight, as the Braves honored two legends: Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox and former owner Ted Turner, who both passed away recently. Before the first pitch, the team held a moment of silence after a video tribute, and a display of jerseys and photos was set up outside the park. The Braves will wear an embroidered No. 6 on their caps for the rest of the season to honor Cox, who died at 84. Turner passed away at 87.
The series continues Wednesday, with Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie (1-0, 3.63) making his fourth career start against Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga (4-2, 2.28). If Tuesday was any indication, fans are in for another thrilling chapter in this battle of baseball's best.