Ronald Acuña Jr. Powers Braves to Season-Ending 4-1 Win Over Pirates: Game Recap 9/28/2025

Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Atlanta Braves Finish Season with 4-1 Win Over Pittsburgh Pirates

Ronald Acuña Jr. launched a two-run home run in the first inning, powering the Atlanta Braves to a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday as both teams wrapped up their MLB regular season.

Acuña Jr. Sets the Tone Early

Ronald Acuña Jr. wasted no time putting Atlanta on top, blasting his 21st homer of the year an estimated 451 feet. The early shot gave the Braves an immediate lead and set the stage for a successful season finale at Truist Park.

Chris Sale Dominates in Relief

Chris Sale (7-5) delivered a strong performance out of the bullpen, throwing 5 2/3 innings of one-run baseball. He struck out nine batters, issued five walks, and allowed just four hits after entering in the second inning. Charlie Morton opened the game for Atlanta in what may have been his last major league appearance, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings with two hits and a walk. Raisel Iglesias secured his 22nd save to close out the victory.

Braves Add Insurance in the Eighth

Matt Olson drove in an insurance run with an RBI single in the eighth and later scored thanks to a throwing error by Pirates infielder Jared Triolo, extending the Braves’ lead and putting the game out of reach.

Pirates’ Lone Run and Missed Opportunity

Pittsburgh's only run came in the sixth inning when Bryan Reynolds doubled and Joey Bart drove him home with an RBI single. Bart, representing the tying run, was caught stealing by Braves catcher Drake Baldwin to end the Pirates’ threat. Chris Sale then struck out Alexander Canario to close the inning.

Pirates’ Johan Oviedo’s Solid Start

Johan Oviedo (2-1) started for Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on three hits over five innings and striking out three.

Record-Setting Season for Braves Roster

Charlie Morton’s appearance marked the 71st different player used by Atlanta in the 2025 season, a new major league record. The previous mark was 70, set by the Miami Marlins and Baltimore Orioles in 2024.

Playoff Streaks End

The Pirates extended their postseason drought, last qualifying in 2015. This year also marks the first time since 2017 that the Braves have missed the playoffs.

In summary

The Atlanta Braves closed their 2025 season on a high note with a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighted by Ronald Acuña Jr.’s powerful home run and a dominant relief performance by Chris Sale. The win capped a record-setting year for the Braves, who used 71 different players, but both teams end the season looking ahead after missing the playoffs. Key moments included timely hitting, defensive plays, and a memorable appearance from veteran starter Charlie Morton.

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