Atlanta Braves Snap Losing Streak with Bart’s Two‑Run Homer

Atlanta Braves ended a six‑inning scoreless stretch on July 8, 2026, when catcher Joey Bart launched a two‑run homer in the eighth inning to secure a 3‑0 win at PNC Park. The victory moved Atlanta to 3rd in the National League with a 53‑38 record and a one‑game winning streak.

How did the Braves finally break through?

Jared Jones pitched six perfect innings, retiring all 18 batters he faced, but the Braves couldn’t generate offense until the eighth. After a leadoff single by Grant Holmes, Bart stepped in with two outs and hammered a 392‑foot fly ball off Dennis Santana. The ball cleared the left‑center wall, giving Atlanta a 2‑0 lead. A later RBI single by another teammate padded the score to 3‑0.

Why was Bart’s homer significant for Atlanta?

Bart, a Georgia Tech product and former second‑overall pick in 2018, had only appeared in 26 plate appearances for the Braves, batting .136 with a .587 OPS. The trade that sent him from Pittsburgh to Atlanta on June 18 was meant to fill a catching void after Sean Murphy’s injury. His clutch hit not only provided the win but also validated the front office’s decision, especially as the Pirates had opted to keep rookie Henry Davis behind the plate.

What does this win mean for the Braves’ season?

The 3‑0 triumph is only the eighth victory in the club’s last 25 games, but it stops a recent slump and improves Atlanta’s standing to 3rd in the NL, now 53‑38. The win also gives the Braves a fresh start heading into the next series, with their bullpen looking rested after a short outing from Jones. Manager Walt Weiss praised Bart’s composure, noting the catcher’s respect for his former teammates and his excitement to contribute to Atlanta’s push.

Who else impacted the game?

Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds made a spectacular catch on Bart’s first deep fly ball, a play that would have been a home run in every other MLB park. Despite the defensive highlight, Reynolds couldn’t stop the later homer that traveled an estimated 422 feet. On the mound, Jones recorded eight strikeouts, showcasing his dominance even as the Braves finally broke through.

The Braves now sit on a one‑game winning streak and look to build momentum. With Bart’s fourth season homer and a solid performance from the pitching staff, Atlanta aims to keep climbing the NL ladder.