Joey Bart’s Homer Leads Braves to Win Over Pirates

Game‑Changing Eighth‑Inning Blast

The NL East‑leading Braves secured a 3‑0 victory after Joey Bart’s eighth‑inning, two‑run homer. The blast came with two outs and lifted Atlanta off his former club, the Pittsburgh Pirates. It marked a crucial swing in momentum for the division‑leading squad.

Bart, who joined the Braves from Pittsburgh on June 18, turned a Mike Yastrzemski double into a 422‑foot drive to left‑centerfield. The shot landed just beyond the warning track and brought Atlanta ahead for good. The distance of the blast was noted as one of the longest at the venue this season.

Drake Baldwin added insurance in the ninth, plating a run with a single that traveled to center field. The RBI produced the final 3‑0 margin and helped secure the win. Baldwin’s hit came after the home run and capped a three‑run outburst.

Jones’s Strong Start and Return

Jared Jones, the Pirates starter, tossed six spotless innings, striking out eight batters on 77 pitches, 53 of which were strikes. The righty lowered his ERA from 5.28 to 4.37 with the performance. In the third, Bart nearly ended his bid with a long drive to left, but Bryan Reynolds leapt at the wall to snag it.

The 24‑year‑old Jones has kept his pitch counts under 81 in eight starts since returning May 20 after missing the entirety of last season. He rehabbed an ulnar collateral ligament internal brace surgery performed on May 21, 2025. His ability to work efficiently has been a bright spot for Pittsburgh’s rotation.

Braves’ Relief Performance

Mason Montgomery opened the seventh for Atlanta, retiring Michael Harris II on a groundout. He then allowed Ozzie Albies a single to left before striking out Matt Olson and Drake Baldwin to close the frame. Montgomery’s shutout inning helped keep the Braves ahead.

Atlanta’s bullpen sealed the win as Dylan Dodd (1‑0) recorded a perfect seventh inning and earned the victory. Raisel Iglesias nailed down the ninth with two strikeouts, earning his 18th save of the campaign. Both relievers highlighted the strength of the Braves’ relief corps.

Starter Performance

Grant Holmes got the start for the Braves, lasting five innings while surrendering three hits, three strikeouts and a walk. His middle‑inning stability allowed Atlanta to build an early lead. Holmes’ outing set the stage for the late offensive explosion.

Pirates Misfire and Missed Chances

Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles were evident as the Pirates left men on base in each of the first four innings. In the third, after Bryan Reynolds stole second on a two‑out single, Holmes forced Jared Triolo to ground out to third, ending the threat. The missed opportunities kept the Pirates from getting back into the game.

Up Next: Keller vs. Elder

Looking ahead, Mitch Keller (6‑6, 5.02 ERA) will face Braves righty Bryce Elder (5‑6, 4.01 ERA) in Thursday’s series finale. Both pitchers have posted solid strides after mid‑season slumps. The matchup promises to be competitive as the teams fight for a crown.