MLB: Braves lock up October with three two-run homers

Three two-run homers and the ticket is punched

Atlanta is back in the playoffs tonight. The Braves beat the Astros 6-2 on the road, with Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson each launching a two-run homer.

At the very least, the club has locked up a National League wild card. It is their eighth postseason berth in nine seasons. On the mound, Tyler Mahle (7-10) worked six innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out six.

Olson delivered the biggest swing of the night in the ninth inning. His 40th homer of the year made him the fifth player in Braves history to reach that mark twice, after his club-record 54 in 2023.

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Ninety wins, one year after 76-86

The backdrop gives the result extra weight. In 2025, Atlanta finished 76-86, fourth in their division. That collapse snapped a run of seven straight playoff trips, including six straight NL East titles from 2018 to 2023. That stretch peaked with the 2021 World Series, won against Houston, of all teams.

Friday’s win also brought up their 90th of the season. The Braves have reached that mark five times in the last eight full seasons. Over that span, only the Dodgers, with eight, and the Brewers and Yankees, with six each, have done better.

The magic number is three, and the East is not done yet

The celebration stayed low-key in the clubhouse. A toast, then back to work. “We have our eyes on something bigger. We want to win the East,” Harris II said.

The magic number is down to three. The Phillies’ 6-3 loss to the Mets pushed Atlanta’s lead to five games with eight to play. The division title could be wrapped up as soon as Sunday.

Walt Weiss, promoted to manager this season after eight years as Brian Snitker’s assistant, gave the credit back to his team. “Anything you get in this league you have to earn,” he said. Acuna Jr. had already done his bit earlier, leaping in right field to take a hit away from Altuve.

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