The fifth inning decided everything. Atlanta scored three runs to break a 3-3 tie and defeat Pittsburgh 6-3 at Truist Park, with Dominic Smith's two-run homer providing the decisive blow.
Smith went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk, carrying a .309 average with six home runs and 28 RBIs this season. Spencer Strider earned the win with five innings of three-run ball, allowing five hits while striking out three. His ERA stands at 4.00.
Atlanta struck first with two runs in the opening frame. Albies hit a sacrifice fly to center, bringing Acuña Jr. home. Riley then doubled to left, scoring Dubón. The Braves extended their lead to 3-0 in the third when Dubón stole home while Albies advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Rodríguez.
Pittsburgh answered with two runs in the fourth. Gonzales doubled to left, scoring Reynolds, then Callihan doubled to right to bring Gonzales home. The Pirates tied it 3-3 in the fifth when Lowe hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Triolo. But Atlanta responded immediately. Albies hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Acuña Jr., before Smith homered to left, bringing Olson home for the final margin.
Braxton Ashcraft took the loss, allowing six runs on nine hits over five innings with five strikeouts. Raisel Iglesias closed with a scoreless ninth for his 13th save. Atlanta improved to 43-21 and first place. Pittsburgh fell to 34-30. Strider is nine innings away from 500 career innings pitched, while Albies sits one stolen base from 100 career steals.