Braves Overcome Pirates 6-3 with Smith's Key Home Run

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves secured a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, thanks in part to Dominic Smith's two-run homer. The win allowed the Braves to bounce back after relinquishing an early three-run advantage, helping them clinch yet another series victory.

Atlanta jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the end of the third inning. However, the Pirates equalized in the fifth, courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Brandon Lowe off Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (4-1). The Braves responded swiftly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth against Braxton Ashcraft (5-3). Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson both reached base with singles, and their double-steal set the stage for a sacrifice fly from Ozzie Albies. Shortly thereafter, Smith sent a powerful shot just inside the left-field foul pole.

Raisel Iglesias came in to pitch the ninth inning, earning his 13th save and extending his streak to 31 consecutive successful save attempts since July 28, 2025, which is the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. The Pirates' Lowe exited the game in the ninth after sustaining a knee injury from a foul ball.

With this victory, the Braves improved their impressive season record to 44-21, having won 18 of their last 21 series and 10 of 11 at home. On the other hand, Pirates third baseman Tyler Callihan, making his season debut, contributed with a run-scoring double, a walk, and a stolen base.