Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies launched a first-inning home run off Miles Mikolas, who also surrendered back-to-back homers to Austin Riley and Matt Olson in the sixth inning. These three solo homers accounted for the only runs allowed by Mikolas (7-10) during his 6.2 innings on the mound. Mikolas commented, “You don’t want to give up a couple, but if you can keep guys off the bases when you give up those big swings, that helps.”

Marcell Ozuna contributed another solo shot off Giovanny Gallegos in the eighth inning. Pinch-hitter Orlando Arcia followed with a run-scoring double off Gallegos in the same inning. Both teams displayed their power, with each hitting four home runs. This matched the highest number of homers allowed by Braves pitchers in a game this season.

The Braves are in pursuit of one more victory over the Cardinals this week to secure their fifth consecutive season series win against the team. They had previously swept three games in St. Louis from April 3-5. A fan made an unexpected appearance on the field, running onto the field with Harris at the plate in the eighth inning. Security officers swiftly tackled the fan, who had sprinted from right field toward left field, causing him to lose his balance. He was then taken to the ground and escorted off the field.

In terms of defense, Tommy Edman made a crucial diving catch of Nicky Lopez’s sinking liner, ending Atlanta’s second inning after singles by Eddie Rosario and Michael Harris II. Edman’s inning-opening leaping catch of Marcell Ozuna’s drive at the center field wall set the tone. Mikolas playfully remarked, “I’ve been telling the guys all year, you give me 10 runs and Gold Glove defense, I’m not going to lose.”

Harris contributed to the defensive highlights by making a leaping catch at the center field wall, robbing Lars Nootbaar of a potential home run in the fifth inning. On the injury front, the Cardinals activated LHP Matthew Liberatore from the 15-day injured list after a two-week absence due to lower back issues. Liberatore will now work out of the bullpen following LHP JoJo Romero’s placement on the 15-day IL, retroactive to September 2. Additionally, IF José Fermín was recalled from Triple-A Memphis, while IF Taylor Motter was designated for assignment.

For the Braves, IF Ehire Adrianza, dealing with right elbow inflammation, began a rehab assignment with Class-A Rome. Furthermore, RHP Ben Heller was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.