Cubs vs Braves Recap: Braves surge past Cubs behind early offense

The Chicago Cubs traveled to Atlanta to face the Braves on Tuesday, May 12, during week 59 of the 2025 season. Going into the game, the Cubs brought a solid pitching staff led by starter Colin Rea. The Braves countered with Grant Holmes on the mound for Atlanta. Although the Cubs had won seven of their last ten games, they arrived in Atlanta on a three-game losing streak. The Braves, meanwhile, were riding high with three straight wins and a strong 29-13 record. This matchup promised to be competitive, with both teams relying heavily on pitching. The final score told the story: Atlanta's bats came alive, winning 11-5 over Chicago. What started as a pitching duel transformed into an offensive showcase as the game progressed.

The game stayed scoreless through the first two innings as both Rea and Holmes pitched effectively. In the third inning, Yastrzemski singled to left field, and Smith scored to give Atlanta an early 1-0 lead. The Cubs answered back in the fourth inning when Bregman launched a home run 374 feet to left field with an exit velocity of 100 mph, tying the game at one. Just moments later, Ballesteros grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Happ to score, giving Chicago a 2-1 advantage. The Braves' pitcher Holmes was struggling to find his rhythm. By the middle of the game, Chicago had seized control. However, Atlanta's powerful bats were just warming up for what was coming next in the fifth inning.

The fifth inning became the game's turning point when Atlanta's offense exploded. Riley launched a towering home run 409 feet to left center field, tying the score at 2-2. Moments later, Yastrzemski delivered a two-run home run 380 feet to right field with an exit velocity of 103 mph, pushing Atlanta ahead 4-2. The Braves kept the momentum rolling when Olson singled to right, and Baldwin scored, extending their lead to 5-2. This remarkable inning showcased the Braves' power and determination. After Chicago managed no more scoring through the remaining innings, the Braves added even more runs later. Atlanta's resilience proved decisive in this matchup. When the final out was recorded, Atlanta had won decisively, improving to 29-13 while Chicago fell to 27-15, leaving them frustrated after squandering their early advantage.