Braves nab a 6–1 lead vs. Cubs, but bullpen collapse and extra-innings heartbreak lead to 7–6 loss. Strider strong but can’t close. Game recap & what’s next.
Braves vs Cubs Summary — The Devastating Turn in One Line
The Atlanta Braves squandered a comfortable 6–1 lead over the Chicago Cubs, falling 7–6 in 10 innings. Despite a solid start from Spencer Strider, the bullpen crumbled, and Carson Kelly delivered both the tying home run and the walk-off single in a stunning comeback.
Context: What Was at Stake Heading into Wrigley
Entering the series opener, the Braves were under pressure to stabilize after four losses in five games. Spencer Strider made his return to the mound after recovering from elbow surgery and was looking to build momentum. The Cubs, meanwhile, remained in playoff contention and seized the opportunity to strike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNALVrkfcBk
The Play-by-Play — How It Unraveled
Early dominance:
Atlanta quickly opened the scoring — Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II delivered clutch hits to build a 6–1 lead by the fifth inning.
Strider’s outing:
Spencer Strider pitched strongly across five-plus innings, surrendering three runs on five hits and three walks, and fanning just one batter — his lowest strikeout output of the season. He battled through imperfections to give the Braves a solid foundation.
Cubs rally:
Chicago chipped away with timely offense — Ian Happ homered, Matt Shaw delivered an RBI double, and Dansby Swanson added a two-run blast. In the eighth, Carson Kelly crushed a two-run homer to tie the score at 6–6.
Extra-innings heartbreak:
In the 10th, the Cubs pushed across the winning run, as Kelly again came up big with a walk-off single. The Braves’ bullpen usage, especially in high-leverage spots, came under fire again.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Spencer Strider: Progress Amid Disappointment
Strider’s debut post-injury showed promise: he looked more like himself after March elbow surgery and took strides toward regaining form. “That was a lot better,” manager Brian Snitker noted, referencing Strider’s prior dominant start in late August. Despite the result, Strider’s performance offered glimmers of optimism.
However, struggles persisted: only one strikeout and ongoing control issues — even as he settled into rhythm, the bullpen let striking offense go unrewarded.
Standout Performers
- Michael Harris II: Delivered two big two-out hits — a single and a double — accounting for four RBIs in the rallying Braves offense.
- Carson Kelly (Cubs): Hero of the night with a two-run homer and a walk-off RBI single.
- Ian Happ & Dansby Swanson (Cubs): Happ’s homer and Swanson’s clutch two-RBI double fueled the comeback.
Key Takeaways & What It Means
| Topic | Insight |
|---|---|
| Braves’ bullpen woes | This collapse continues a troubling pattern — they’ve blown multiple leads in one-run losses this season. |
| Strider’s recovery trajectory | Showing signs of the ace from 2023, but consistency and support from the bullpen remain crucial. |
| Cubs’ resilience | Despite being down 6–1, they mounted a resilient comeback — indicating strong team grit. |
| Implications | Both teams head into the next games with momentum — Chicago riding high, while Atlanta needs fixes before they slip further in the standings. |
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Where to Watch or Get Recaps
- MLB.com / Braves highlights — recap packages and in-game footage.
- AP News — timely articles with quotes and outcomes.
- BleedCubbieBlue / Battery Power — fan-centric recaps and analysis.
Final Take
Braves vs Cubs became a cautionary tale of bullpen fragility and unrealized momentum. Atlanta’s offense surged early, and Strider showcased flashes of his former dominance. But in today’s MLB, even a five-run lead is fragile without late-game stability. The Cubs’ comeback underscores their resilience — while the Braves must re-examine relief strategies before the season slips further through their fingers.
FAQ — Quick Answers Fans Search For
Q: Who won the Braves vs Cubs game?
A: The Chicago Cubs won 7–6 in extras, after rallying from a 6–1 deficit. (Reuters, CBSSports.com)
Q: How did Spencer Strider perform?
A: Strider pitched five-plus innings, allowed three runs on five hits and three walks, struck out just one, and ended with a no-decision. (MLB.com, CBSSports.com)
Q: Who fueled the Cubs’ comeback?
A: Carson Kelly (HR and walk-off), Ian Happ (Homer), Dansby Swanson (double), and Matt Shaw (RBI double). (Reuters, Bleed Cubbie Blue, CBSSports.com)
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