Braves Top Cubs 4-1: Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson Homer as Bryce Elder Shines in Atlanta’s Key Win Over Chicago

Monday, September 8th, 2025

Atlanta Braves Defeat Chicago Cubs 4-1 with Strong Performances from Albies, Olson, and Elder

The Atlanta Braves claimed a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, driven by home runs from Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson and a stellar outing from pitcher Bryce Elder. With this win, the Braves handed the Cubs their fourth loss in five games, though Chicago continues to lead the NL wild-card race.

Offensive Highlights

Matt Olson had an impressive night at the plate, going 2-for-4 and launching his 23rd home run of the season in the eighth inning. Ozzie Albies contributed an early spark with a solo homer in the first inning. Ha-Seong Kim followed with a single and later scored on rookie Drake Baldwin’s double. Ronald Acuña Jr. ended his career-worst 0-for-25 slump by singling home Baldwin, putting Atlanta up 3-0 in the first.

Pitching Performances

Bryce Elder (7-9) secured his fourth straight quality start, allowing only one run over 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out six, walked one, and surrendered five hits. Tyler Kinley continued his dominance with a perfect eighth inning, marking his 13th consecutive scoreless appearance. Rasiel Iglesias closed out the ninth for his 25th save.

For the Cubs, starter Shota Imanaga (9-7) regrouped after a tough first inning to retire 16 of 17 batters at one point. He completed six innings with five hits allowed, no walks, and four strikeouts. In the seventh, Matt Shaw’s sacrifice fly scored Nico Hoerner, giving Chicago its sole run.

Key Moment

The Cubs posed a threat in the seventh inning with runners at second and third and just one out. Reliever Johnson managed to escape the jam by retiring Matt Shaw and Reese McGuire, preserving the Braves’ 3-1 lead.

Key Stat

Bryce Elder has been particularly effective against the Cubs in his recent outings, allowing just one earned run across 13 1/3 innings in his last two starts, with 12 strikeouts and only one walk.

Up Next

The series continues Tuesday night, with Cubs right-hander Cade Horton (9-4, 2.78 ERA) taking the mound against Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (5-12, 4.97 ERA) in the second game of this three-game matchup.

In summary

The Atlanta Braves secured a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs, powered by home runs from Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson and an outstanding start from Bryce Elder. The Cubs, still leading the NL wild-card race, faced their fourth loss in the past five games as Atlanta's pitching proved too strong. The series continues with promising pitching matchups set for the next showdown.

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