Cubs vs Braves Recap: Night-time Rallies Blow Past Atlanta

The Chicago Cubs traveled to Atlanta on Thursday, May 14, looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss. Just the night before, the Braves had rallied in the eighth inning to beat the Cubs 4-1 under the May night lights. Now, with a 28-16 record, Chicago was hungry for revenge against the 30-14 Braves. Ben Brown took the mound for the Cubs, while veteran left-hander Chris Sale started for Atlanta. Sale remains one of baseball's elite pitchers, known for his ability to shut down opposing lineups even late in his career. The Cubs faced a tough challenge because Sale has won countless games with his sharp stuff and competitive fire. However, Chicago's solid pitching staff and balanced lineup gave them hope for victory on this evening.

For the first five innings, both pitchers dominated the game. Neither team could break through as Sale and Brown matched each other pitch for pitch. The game remained scoreless through five innings, creating tension with every batter. Then in the sixth inning, the Cubs finally struck first. Shaw grounded the ball to the shortstop and reached on a fielder's choice. Happ scored on the play, giving Chicago a crucial 1-0 lead. The Cubs had found their opening because they were patient at the plate and took advantage of their opportunity. Two innings later, however, the game would change dramatically with one thunderous swing.

In the eighth inning, the Cubs' Happ stepped up to the plate with everything on the line. He faced a slider at 83 miles per hour from the Braves' pitcher. Happ's bat connected with tremendous force, sending the ball soaring to right-center field. The moment the ball left his bat, you could sense the drama ending. It traveled 424 feet and sailed completely over the wall for a two-run home run. The ball's exit velocity measured a powerful 108 miles per hour, showing Happ's incredible strength. Although the Braves scored zero runs, the Cubs held firm to win 2-0. This victory improved Chicago's record and gave them momentum after their disappointing loss the previous night.