The eighth inning changed everything. Atlanta scored three runs to break a 1-1 tie and defeat Chicago 4-1 at Truist Park, extending their winning streak to three games.
Mauricio Dubon delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer to left field, capping a 1-for-4 night with two RBIs. The blast followed Mike Yastrzemski's RBI double that gave Atlanta the lead. Dubon is hitting .263 with three home runs and 25 RBIs this season.
The rally began when Harris II scored on Yastrzemski's double to center, putting Atlanta ahead 2-1. Dubon then homered to left, scoring Yastrzemski and extending the lead to 4-1. The Cubs had tied the game in the fifth when Hoerner singled to left, scoring Kelly.
Shota Imanaga absorbed the loss despite a strong effort, allowing 2 runs over 7.0 innings with six strikeouts and no walks. His ERA stands at 2.48. Robert Suarez earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning, improving to 4-0 with a 0.50 ERA.
Atlanta improved to 29-13 and maintained first place in their division. Chicago fell to 27-15, extending their losing streak to three games while remaining atop their division.