SPORTS

Braves, Cubs split series with contrasting pitching performances

PUBLISHED May 13, 2026, 12:36 AM ET

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Atlanta — On Tuesday night at Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 5-2 when Grant Holmes and three relievers combined on a one-hitter and Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski hit homers that fueled a four-run fifth inning; two days later in Atlanta the Cubs responded with a 2-0 victory. Tuesday's win improved Atlanta's record and featured Raisel Iglesias recording a scoreless ninth as the bullpen preserved the lead, while Thursday's shutout snapped Chicago's four-game skid as Ian Happ hit a go-ahead home run and Ben Brown struck out seven in a four-inning start; both clubs face immediate bullpen and lineup decisions this week.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Grant Holmes started for Atlanta Tuesday and did not allow more than one hit total with relievers.
Tuesday fifth inning: Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski hit homers, producing a four-run rally for Atlanta.
Raisel Iglesias closed Tuesday with a scoreless ninth, extending a stretch of 11 2/3 innings without allowing a run.
Thursday night: Ian Happ hit a home run and five Cubs pitchers combined for a 2-0 shutout in Atlanta.
Ben Brown allowed one hit, struck out seven in four innings Thursday, helping Chicago snap a four-game losing streak.

News Intelligence

The Braves and Cubs' recent games show the importance of a strong bullpen in baseball. If you're a fan, you'll want to watch how these teams adjust their lineups and pitching strategies in the coming week. It could make or break their season.

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Who Benefited

The Atlanta Braves benefited from effective relief pitching and timely home runs, improving their record and winning the series opener; the Chicago Cubs benefited from a strong combined pitching performance Thursday that snapped their losing streak and regained momentum.

Who Impacted

The Chicago Cubs suffered a four-run fifth inning on Tuesday that cost them the opener, though they rebounded Thursday; Atlanta surrendered critical swings in the fifth but showcased bullpen depth to secure the first game.

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