Braves Clinch 10-5 Win Over Pirates With Late Slam

Key Offensive Sparks

Mike Yastrzemski ignited the Braves’ late surge with a game‑sealing grand slam in the ninth inning off Dennis Santana, his third career slam. Earlier, the Atlanta offense exploded for 16 hits, highlighted by Bryan Reynolds and Esmerlyn Valdez’s back‑to‑back home runs in the third inning. Jake Mangum complemented the attack with four hits, three RBIs, a two‑run homer and an RBI double that briefly turned a two‑run deficit into a one‑run game.

Pitching Highlights

Bryce Elder struggled slightly, allowing four runs in four innings for the Braves, while Mitch Keller (6‑7) gave up three runs in three innings, dropping to 1‑5 with a 7.94 ERA in nine career starts against Atlanta. Dylan Dodd delivered a perfect fifth inning, earning his second win of the season. The contest was paused for 35 minutes after the fifth frame due to rain, but play resumed without further weather interruptions.

Milestone Achievements

Matt Olson opened the scoring with a solo home run, his 25th of the season, and set a franchise record by playing in 740 consecutive games dating back to the 2022 campaign. Olson’s streak matches the mark previously held by Dale Murphy from 1982‑86. Jim Jarvis added a two‑run homer for his first career home run, and rookie shortstop Cam Sanders collected three hits in the victory.

The win moves the Braves to the top of their division, while the Pirates fall to 1‑5 in recent games, a stretch that includes Keller’s steep ERA climb.

Upcoming Schedule

Atlanta will begin a three‑game road trip in St. Louis on Friday night, sending Chris Sale (9‑6, 2.27 ERA) to the mound against Kyle Leahy (7‑4, 3.86). The Pirates host Milwaukee that same evening, with Braxton Ashcraft (9‑3, 3.24) set to face rookie Brandon Sproat (3‑4, 5.13). Both clubs look to build on the momentum from Thursday’s contrasting performances.

The series pairings set up interesting matchups, as the Braves aim to extend their winning streak against the Cardinals, while the Pirates search for consistency after a stretch of early-season struggles.