The Cubs ended their four-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Atlanta at Truist Park, breaking through against Chris Sale in the late innings to silence the division leaders.
Sale delivered six scoreless innings for the Braves, allowing one hit on five hits while striking out eight. The left-hander carried a 1.96 ERA into the contest and held Chicago scoreless through six frames despite issuing two walks. Sale took the loss, falling to 6-3 on the season.
Chicago broke the deadlock in the sixth when Happ scored on Shaw's fielder's choice grounder to shortstop. Happ then provided the decisive blow in the eighth, launching a 424-foot home run to right center field. Happ finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored, one RBI and a walk, raising his season totals to 10 home runs and 19 RBIs while batting .234.
Ben Brown started for the Cubs with four shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven. Hoby Milner earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, and Daniel Palencia recorded his third save with a perfect ninth inning that included two strikeouts.
The victory snapped Chicago's losing streak and improved their record to 27-16, maintaining first place in their division. Atlanta's four-game winning streak ended as they fell to 30-13, though they remain atop their division standings.