Drake Baldwin’s two-run single to right field capped a three-run 9th inning rally Sunday, giving the Atlanta Braves a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park.
The win gave Atlanta the three-game series two games to one and improved the Braves to a season-best 13 games over .500 at 55-42.
“This team doesn’t quit,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “Down two in the 9th, and we put together our best at-bats of the day. That’s a special group.”
The Braves entered the 9th down 3-1. Matt Olson led off with a double to left-center, and after Marcell Ozuna struck out, Michael Harris II doubled to right to score Olson and cut the deficit to one.
Two batters later, with runners on first and second, Baldwin lined a 1-1 fastball from Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley into right field. Harris scored easily from second, and pinch-runner Luke Williams scored from first when the throw bounced off the cutoff man, putting Atlanta ahead 4-3.
“Just trying to put the ball in play,” Baldwin said. “He throws hard, and you just have to react. I was lucky to find a hole.”
Raisel Iglesias retired the side in order in the top of the 9th to earn the save, his 18th of the season.
Chris Sale started for Atlanta and allowed three runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out eight and walked one.
The win caps a strong week for the Braves, who went 4-2 on a six-game homestand that included series wins over the Mets and Cardinals. Atlanta heads to the All-Star break with a half-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East.
“We feel good about where we are,” Weiss said. “Now we get a few days off, and then we come back and try to keep this thing rolling.”
The Braves resume play Friday at home against the Texas Rangers. The All-Star Game is Tuesday at Truist Park.