How the game was won: Anthony Rizzo hit a three-run homer in a four-run third inning, more run support than the Cubs would need on a night when ace Jake Arrieta dominated the Braves for six innings of a 7-1 Chicago win at Wrigley Field. Braves rookie Mike Foltynewicz gave up a career-high seven runs on eight hits (two homers) and two walks with six strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. Foltynewicz has allowed nine homers in his past five starts, and 21 earned runs in 21 innings over his past four starts. Meanwhile, Arrieta is 9-1 with a 1.26 ERA in a streak of 12 consecutive quality starts.

Number: 19. Losses for the Braves in their past 21 road games. They've scored just 49 runs in the 21 games, including two or fewer runs in 11 of the past 18 road games.

What's next: The Braves and Cubs play the second game of a four-game series Friday at 4:05 p.m., when Shelby Miller (5-9, 2.43 ERA) faces Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 3.97).

About the Author

Keep Reading

Braves catcher Drake Baldwin celebrates a triple against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Atlanta. Baldwin fetched the Braves a bonus pick with his Rookie of the Year win. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Featured

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins' Senate campaign used Sen. Jon Ossoff's Senate portrait (center) to create an AI-generated video of Ossoff talking about his vote not to end the government shutdown.  The video was reposted to Collins' campaign account on X (left). (Screenshot)

Credit: (Handout and screen grabs)