Braves 5, Cubs 2
The Chicago Cubs left Atlanta with more questions than answers Tuesday night after a 5–2 loss to the Braves at Truist Park. The Cubs dropped their third consecutive game as, once again, the offense stayed quiet. Their injury-exhausted pitching staff struggled to contain the Braves in the middle innings, continuing a vexing stretch against playoff-level competitors.
Braves right fielder Mike Yastrzemski led the way offensively, batting 2-for-2 with a homer and three RBI.
Braves – Cubs Game Summary
The Cubs kept pace early on, but the Braves lineup eventually broke through against the Cubs overworked pitching staff. In the bottom of the third, Yastrzemski put the Braves ahead, 1–0, with a single to left. The Cubs took a 2–1 lead in the fourth on an Alex Bregman homer and an RBI groundout from Moises Ballesteros.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Braves retook the lead and completed the scoring. A solo homer from Austin Riley tied the game, and a two-run blast from Yastrzemski gave the Braves a 4–2 lead. Later in the inning, a Matt Olson single extended the lead to 5–2. Scoreless relief from Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee, and Raisel Iglesias cemented the victory for the Braves.
What Went Right for the Cubs
Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to change the game
Pete Crow-Armstrong once again showed himself as one of the Cubs’ most dangerous players despite the loss. The center fielder continued to pressure the Braves with his speed and aggression on the bases. During this rough patch, Crow-Armstrong’s energy has become one of the only consistencies in the lineup.
Colin Rea keeping the Cubs competitive
The Braves pressured Colin Rea throughout the night, but the righty did his part early on to prevent a complete unravel before the Braves pulled away.
What Went Wrong for the Cubs
Offense depleted of momentum
The Cubs only scored two runs on one hit Tuesday night following shutouts against the Texas Rangers. The struggle to regain their footing was evident through the inconsistencies squaring up against Braves pitching. They failed to utilize opportunities with runners on base. Three quiet offensive games are dropping below freezing as a cold stretch.
What Went Right for the Braves
Constant Pressure
The Braves offense played at an elite level. Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Michael Harris II created stress for the Cubs’ pitching, while the Braves continued creating opportunities with at-bats throughout the game. They kept the Cubs uncomfortable pretty much the entirety of the game.
The Deeper Lineup
This game showed undoubtedly that the Braves are more complete than credited. Their freshness and stability are distributed across the roster. The Braves, trying to survive injuries, failed to keep up with the Braves.
What Went Wrong for the Braves
Didn’t Pull Away Early
The Braves allowed the Cubs to stay too close for too long early on. The Cubs took a brief lead in the fourth before the Braves finally pulled away.
Missed Opportunities
While the Braves ended up scoring five runs, they could have scored even more. Three of their six runners left on base were in scoring position. In a game with stronger pitching, or a healthy Cubs staff, those missed opportunities could have been game-changing.
Quick Hits
The Cubs have only scored four total runs during their three-game losing streak.
Looking Ahead
Dider Fuentes earned the win in relief for the Braves as Colin Rea took the loss for the Cubs.
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The Cubs and Braves will continue their series Wednesday night at Truist Park. Shota Imanaga (4–2, 2.28 ERA) will start for the Cubs against Braves right-hander JR Ritchie (1–0, 3.63 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Central.
