The Cincinnati Reds overcame a three-run deficit and handed the Atlanta Braves a 7-6 loss at Truist Park on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The Reds completed the comeback in nine innings, with Connor Phillips earning the win and Emilio Pagán nailing down the save. AJ Smith-Shawver took the loss for Atlanta. Despite a scrappy offensive effort that saw 11 Braves hits on the night, Cincinnati's bullpen steadied itself after a rough start and held on when it mattered most.

Braves Offense Does Enough — Until It Doesn't

Atlanta came out swinging. Austin Riley provided the biggest blow for the home side, going 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. Michael Harris II was the Braves' most consistent bat on the night, going 3-for-5 with one RBI. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mauricio Dubón each collected two hits, and catcher Drake Baldwin chipped in with a 2-for-5 performance. The Braves put runs on the board early and built what looked like a comfortable advantage, but could not add insurance runs when the opportunities presented themselves late.

Tyler Mahle Gives Up Five Earned Runs in Five Innings

Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle could not hold the lead. He allowed five earned runs on six hits over five innings, walking two and striking out four. That performance put Atlanta's bullpen in a difficult spot. AJ Smith-Shawver inherited the game in relief and surrendered two more earned runs in two innings of work, giving up one hit while issuing no walks. It was Smith-Shawver who was handed the official loss. Dylan Dodd provided a bright spot late, spinning two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and no hits allowed, but the damage was already done.

Cincinnati's Comeback Hinges on Three Long Balls

The Reds did their damage through the power game. Héctor Rodríguez led the Cincinnati charge, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Elly De La Cruz added a solo shot, and Carlos Jorge also went deep for the Reds. Those three home runs accounted for four of Cincinnati's seven runs and provided the foundation for a comeback that overcame a three-run hole. Brady Singer was knocked around early, giving up five earned runs on seven hits over just three innings, but the Reds' bullpen covered six innings of relief and kept Atlanta off the board long enough to complete the rally.

Key Performances at a Glance

Braves

  • Michael Harris II: 3-for-5, 1 RBI
  • Austin Riley: 1-for-2, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Ronald Acuña Jr.: 2-for-5
  • Mauricio Dubón: 2-for-4
  • Drake Baldwin: 2-for-5
  • Dylan Dodd (relief): 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 3 K

Reds

  • Héctor Rodríguez: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Elly De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Carlos Jorge: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Connor Phillips (W): 1.1 IP, 0 ER
  • Emilio Pagán (SV): 1.0 IP, 0 ER

Turning Point

The turning point came in the middle innings when Smith-Shawver allowed the Reds to close the gap and ultimately take the lead. Atlanta had the hits to win this game — 11 of them — but could not string together enough production with runners on base in the later frames. The Braves had opportunities to extend their lead and did not convert. Cincinnati's bullpen then did just enough to protect the one-run margin through the final outs.

What's Next for Atlanta

The Braves will look to bounce back quickly. This was a winnable game at Truist Park, and the one-run defeat will sting. The rotation and bullpen management will be worth watching as Atlanta moves forward in the final stretch of the 2026 regular season. Getting more consistent outings from the starting staff — and sharper relief appearances in high-leverage spots — will be essential for the club to avoid more late-game collapses like Thursday's.