Game result and context
Chicago Cubs defeat Atlanta Braves 8-4 in 2026 regular season matchup
The Chicago Cubs defeated the Atlanta Braves 8-4 on September 16, 2026. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit two home runs and Alex Bregman added another to support Shota Imanaga, who earned the win.
Final result
The Chicago Cubs defeated the Atlanta Braves with a final score of 8-4. The Cubs improved their record to 85-68, while the Braves fell to 89-64.
How the game changed
The Cubs established an early lead with a run in the first inning and added to it with solo home runs from Pete Crow-Armstrong in the third and Alex Bregman in the fourth. The game shifted decisively in the fifth inning when the Cubs scored three runs to extend their lead. Although the Braves managed to score in the sixth, seventh, and ninth innings, they were unable to overcome the deficit created by the Cubs' consistent offensive production.
Key performances
Pete Crow-Armstrong led the Cubs' offense, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. Alex Bregman also contributed significantly, recording three hits, including a home run, and driving in four runs. On the mound, Shota Imanaga earned the win, pitching 6.0 innings and striking out eight batters while allowing only one earned run. For the Braves, Mauricio Dubón recorded two hits and one RBI, while Austin Riley and Matt Olson each contributed an RBI.
Season and playoff context
Following the game, the Atlanta Braves hold an 89-64 record and remain in first place in their division with a magic number of 5. The Chicago Cubs, now 85-68, sit in second place in their division, 10.5 games back, but maintain their position as the wild-card leader with a 1.5-game cushion.