Braves break through with pinch-hit double, finish sweep of Pirates

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th June, 16:37 2026

Jun 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) pitches the ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Michael Harris II delivered a bases-loaded pinch-hit double in the seventh inning to drive in three runs, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday and a sweep of their three-game series.

Atlanta earned its third sweep of the season and its first sweep of Pittsburgh since 2022. The Braves have won eight of their last 10 and improved to 24 games above .500.

The winning rally started when Dominic Smith reached on third baseman Tyler Callihan's throwing error. With one out, Mike Yastrzemski and Jorge Mateo walked to fill the bases, causing the Pirates to lift Bubba Chandler for reliever Evan Sisk.

Harris, unable to start the last two games because of back soreness, batted for light-hitting catcher Sandy Leon and smacked the second pitch he saw into the right field corner to drive in all three runners and give the Braves their first lead.

The Pirates loaded the bases in the eighth, but reliever Tyler Kinley retired Ryan O'Hearn on a grounder to first base to end the threat and preserve the win for Reynaldo Lopez (3-1).

Didier Fuentes allowed two runners to reach base in the ninth, then struck out Endy Rodriguez to end the game and earn his first career save.

Mason Montgomery was the opener for Pittsburgh on Sunday. He escaped from a bases-loaded jam before giving way to Chandler, who had been announced as the starter.

Chandler (2-7) pitched 5 1/3 innings. He allowed three runs (two earned) on one hit and two walks, striking out seven.

Atlanta starter Bryce Elder threw six innings and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks, striking out four.

Spencer Horwitz led off the game with a home run, his eighth, to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead. It was the sixth career homer against Atlanta for Horwitz.

The Pirates added a run in the third inning when Nick Gonzales grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to score Jared Triolo.

Light rain began to fall in the sixth inning, but did not halt play.

--Field Level Media

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