Braves become MLB's first team to reach early-season milestone

Atlanta Braves right fielder Mike Yastrzemski. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Braves become MLB's first team to reach early-season milestone

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 13, 2026 11:01 PM ET

Wednesday was a monumental day for MLB's top early-season team. The Atlanta Braves clinched their series with the Chicago Cubs, winning the second game of the three-game set 4-1.

However, the win over the Cubs wasn't just any series-clinching win. Atlanta's latest victory marked their 30th of the season, improving their MLB-best record to 30-13.

Beating the Cubs to reach No. 30 also sent a message to the rest of the league, as Chicago holds the second-best record in the National League at 27-16.

A big eighth inning handed the Braves their 30th win

As far as how they did it, the Braves scored three in the bottom of the eighth to break a 1-1 tie on Wednesday night.

And after Mike Yastrzemski sent what would become the game-winning run home with a pinch-hit RBI double, Mauricio Dubón blasted a two-run shot for his third home run of the season. His long ball provided extra insurance runs and secured win No. 30.

First team to 30 wins pic.twitter.com/nYQmi3FPZ8
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 14, 2026

Atlanta used five relievers in the game to support JR Ritchie, who only lasted 4.1 innings, as he walked three batters to go along with his four strikeouts before handing the ball off to the bullpen.

While being the first team to achieve a milestone win total during the regular season doesn't guarantee capping off the year in the World Series, the Braves' overall success throughout the spring makes them a legitimate championship contender. At this rate, Atlanta will be able to coast through the summer before the playoffs get underway in October.

Braves are on track to run away with the NL East division title

The Braves now hold a significant nine-game lead over the Washington Nationals for the top spot in the National League East, have three more wins than the Cubs and two more than the American League's 28-14 Tampa Bay Rays.

Atlanta will now go for a sweep of the Cubs on Thursday night, with the first pitch from Truist Park set for 7:15 p.m. ET.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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