# Braves' Long Ball Wins in Postseason Preview

> Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 18th September home run propels Braves to victory as they edge Chicago in a critical NL Central clash.
- Title: Braves' Long Ball Wins in Postseason Preview | Shortify
- Summary: Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 18th September home run propels Braves to victory as they edge Chicago in a critical NL Central clash. Atlanta's three homers against…
- Keywords: atlanta braves, ronald acuña jr, chicago cubbies, martín pérez, walt weiss, mlb, nl central, magic number, sports, Braves', Long, Ball
- Source: Atlanta Braves On SI — https://si.com/mlb/braves/onsi/long-ball-propels-braves-to-win-in-possible-postseason-preview
- Published: 2026-09-16T03:40:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: atlanta braves, ronald acuña jr, chicago cubbies, martín pérez, walt weiss, mlb, nl central, magic number, sports
## Playoff Pressure Intensifies
With the regular season nearing its end, every Braves game carries playoff stakes as magic numbers shrink across the league.
## Acuña Jr. Hits 18th September Home Run
Ronald Acuña Jr. launched his 18th home run of the season to right field, pulling Atlanta back into the game after Chicago jumped ahead 3-0.
## Ozzie Albies Adds Two-Run Homer
Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Braves their first lead after grounding out in his first two at-bats.
## Drake Baldwin Seals Win
Drake Baldwin added two crucial insurance runs with the team's third two-run home run of the night, sealing the win on the road.
## Cubs' Pitching Struggles
Chicago's pitching staff leads the majors in home runs allowed, but Atlanta made the loudest contact to take full advantage.
## Martín Pérez Hits 100th Win
Martín Pérez notched his 100th career victory, a milestone he had been working toward after recovering from injury.
## Magic Number Shrinks
Atlanta's magic number to clinch the NL Central division drops to five following Chicago's loss that clinched Milwaukee's title.
## Key takeaway

Atlanta's three homers against Chicago's high-scoring offense secured a win that shrinks their magic number to clinch the division to five.