Braves rookie Matt Wisler was 1 year old when A.J. Pierzynski was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in June 1994. Tuesday night, Pierzynski’s two home runs and steadying influence behind the plate helped Wisler notch his seventh major league win.

Pierzynski hit go-ahead home runs in the fourth and seventh innings, and Wisler pitched seven strong innings in a 2-1 series-opening win against the Washington Nationals, a win that assures the Braves won’t lose 100 games.

Freeman still swinging

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Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin hits an RBI single to score Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Truist Park, Friday, July 18, 2025. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez