Pittsburgh Pirates Defeat Atlanta Braves 3-1 Behind Bubba Chandler’s Strong Start – Game Recap 9/27/2025

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates Secure 3-1 Victory Over Atlanta Braves

Nick Gonzales and Jack Suwinski delivered critical RBI hits in the sixth inning, powering the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Atlanta Braves with a 3-1 win on Saturday night at Truist Park.

Bubba Chandler Shines on the Mound

Bubba Chandler, pitching in front of his home-state fans in Georgia, threw 5 2/3 impressive innings, limiting the Braves to one run on four hits. Chandler struck out six without issuing a walk and boosted his season record to 4-1.

Braves Strike First, Pirates Rally

The Braves opened the scoring in the second inning on Marcell Ozuna’s RBI single. Pittsburgh responded in the third inning when catcher Henry Davis launched his seventh home run of the year, tying the contest at 1-1.

The decisive sixth inning began with Spencer Horwitz reaching on an infield single that knocked the glove off Braves second baseman Brett Wisely, who then threw wildly, allowing Horwitz to advance. The Pirates capitalized as Nick Gonzales drove in a run with a double and Jack Suwinski followed with an RBI single, putting Pittsburgh ahead for good.

Clutch Relief and Defensive Drama

Dennis Santana worked a scoreless inning to collect his 16th save for Pittsburgh.

Braves starter Spencer Strider surrendered three runs on eight hits while striking out five and walking two over six innings. Strider, now 7-14, posted his worst win-loss record since debuting in 2021 and endures his first losing season with Atlanta.

Drama erupted in the sixth when Braves manager Brian Snitker and first baseman Matt Olson were ejected for protesting a batter’s interference call. Olson, tossed for the first time in his 1,222 Major League games, was ruled out after bumping into Henry Davis as Davis attempted to field a popup, resulting in interference.

Key Moment

The Pirates' two-run sixth inning was set in motion by Spencer Horwitz’s soft line drive single that dislodged Brett Wisely’s glove. Wisely’s subsequent wild throw allowed Horwitz to reach safely, setting up RBI hits from Gonzales and Suwinski.

Key Stat

With the win, Pittsburgh improved to 4-1 against Atlanta in 2025 and clinched its first season series victory over the Braves since 2017.

Up Next

The Braves will send right-hander Charlie Morton (9-11, 5.89 ERA) to the mound for the season finale, facing off against Pirates righty Johan Oviedo (2-0, 3.57 ERA).

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates overcame an early deficit and capitalized on a critical sixth inning to claim a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Bubba Chandler’s strong outing on the mound anchored the win, while Nick Gonzales and Jack Suwinski’s key RBI hits proved decisive. Tensions flared with controversial interference calls leading to ejections, but ultimately Pittsburgh’s performance ensured a season series win. Up next, both teams look to wrap up their 2025 regular seasons with a strong finish in the finale.

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