Full Breakdown
Braves Extend Best Record as Grant Holmes Returns to Rotation in 5-2 Victory Over Cubs
5/13/2026, 12:55:59 PM
Game Summary: Holmes Returns and Braves Win
On Tuesday night at Truist Park, rookie right-hander Grant Holmes made his first start since May 1, pitching four innings and allowing a solo homer to Alex Bregman and an RBI grounder by Moisés Ballesteros while walking four. The Braves held the Cubs to two runs and won 5–2, with Austin Riley’s 409-foot homer and Mike Yastrzemski’s two-run blast. Relievers Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee and Raisel Iglesias closed, Iglesias earning his seventh save and extending his scoreless-innings streak to 11 2/3.
Context: Season Leaders and Tribute
Atlanta entered with a league-best 29–13 record, one game ahead of Chicago’s 27–15. The game marked the Braves’ first home appearance since the deaths of Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox and former owner Ted Turner. A moment of silence, a Battery Plaza display, and a plan to add an embroidered No. 6 to all caps honored the two legends.
Player Performances & Statistics
Holmes improved to 2–1 with a 4.34 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, though his home ERA sits at 5.40 (Fox Sports). Yastrzemski went 2-for-2 with three RBIs, while Riley’s homer traveled 409 feet. Iglesias recorded his seventh save, maintaining a 0.00 ERA over his last 11 2/3 innings. The Braves’ staff entered the series with a combined 3.14 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. For Chicago, starter Colin Rea (4–2) posted a 4.03 ERA and 1.37 WHIP overall but struggled on the road, surrendering 11 earned runs in 17.2 road innings and allowing both Braves homers.
Impact: Standings and Road Disparities
The victory preserved Atlanta’s lead atop the National League and reinforced its reputation for home-field dominance. Chicago’s offense, which had failed to score in its previous two games, fell to a three-game losing streak, widening the contrast between the teams’ road performances. The win also extended the Braves’ record-setting start, the best since 1892.
Official Statements & Responses
Team officials announced the moment of silence for Cox and Turner, installed the commemorative Battery Plaza display, and confirmed the season-long No. 6 cap tribute. No additional commentary was issued in the immediate post-game coverage.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted the Cubs’ road woes, noting Rea’s inflated road ERA and the club’s inability to generate offense on the road. The lack of run production was identified as a primary obstacle to halting the losing streak.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They obviously need to get the offense back on track, but they also need to worry about stopping their opponent.” — Fox Sports analyst
- “I think the under is probably the right way to go, but I think you're going to sweat this either way.” — Fox Sports commentator
- “CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP I'm going to back the Braves in this one.” — Fox Sports bettor
- “I'll take a shot on Matt Olson 2+ hits at +202 (his 2+ total bases are -102).” — Fox Sports bettor
What’s Next
Atlanta will turn to rookie right-hander JR Ritchie (1–0, 3.63 ERA) for its next start, while Chicago will counter with left-hander Shota Imanaga (4–2, 2.28 ERA) on Wednesday.
