Kyle Tucker’s Homer, Shota Imanaga’s Strong Start Lead Chicago Cubs Past Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Sept. 2, 2025

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Chicago Cubs Edge Atlanta Braves 4-3 Behind Kyle Tucker's Big Night

The Chicago Cubs secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field, with Kyle Tucker powering the offense and Shota Imanaga delivering a quality start on the mound. The win marks Chicago’s fourth in their last five games as they continue to chase the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Game Highlights

Kyle Tucker made a significant impact, launching a three-run home run alongside a single before leaving the game in the seventh inning due to left calf tightness. The Cubs built an early lead with Ian Happ's RBI single contributing to a 4-0 advantage in the third inning.

Shota Imanaga improved his record to 9-6, allowing three runs on five hits across six strong innings. Daniel Palencia earned his 22nd save after pitching a tense ninth inning, working around two Braves singles to preserve the narrow win.

Nico Hoerner chipped in with two hits, and Kevin Alcántara—recently recalled from Triple-A—stepped into the center field role, going 1-for-3 in place of struggling All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Braves Rally Falls Short

Joey Wentz started for Atlanta, striking out a season-high eight batters but yielding four runs on seven hits through four innings and taking the loss. The Braves tried to rally, with Matt Olson tripling and scoring on a wild pitch in the fourth, immediately followed by Ozzie Albies’ homer. Eli White’s solo blast in the fifth trimmed the Cubs’ lead to one, but Chicago’s bullpen closed the door.

Marcell Ozuna and Ha-Seong Kim each collected two hits for the Braves, who have now dropped five of their last six games. Willi Castro replaced Tucker in right field following Tucker's exit.

Key Moment

Late in the game, rookie third baseman Matt Shaw delivered a clutch defensive play, ranging to his right to field Ronald Acuña’s bouncer and making a strong throw for the out, helping Chicago hang onto their slim advantage.

Key Stat

Kevin Alcántara, called up from Triple-A, started in center field and went 1-for-3, providing a spark as Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to struggle, hitting just .160 with one home run and five RBI in 28 games since August 1.

Up Next

The Cubs and Braves wrap up their three-game series with a pivotal pitching matchup: Bryce Elder (5-9, 5.85 ERA) starts for Atlanta against Cade Horton (9-4, 2.92 ERA) for Chicago.

In summary

The Chicago Cubs edged out the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in a tightly contested MLB showdown, highlighted by Kyle Tucker’s early three-run homer and solid pitching. Shota Imanaga earned the win and Daniel Palencia secured his 22nd save, while the Braves’ late surge came up just short. The Cubs remain five games behind Milwaukee and look to build momentum in the NL Central race. Stay tuned for the exciting finale of this three-game series.

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