Braves clinch NL East title after sweeping Astros in Houston
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 10:00 PM
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
The Atlanta Braves secured the National League East title on September 20, 2026, with a victory over the Houston Astros. The clinching win featured a key sixth inning highlighted by Mike Yastrzemski's three-run homer, putting the Braves ahead 4-1. Strong pitching from AJ Smith-Shawver contributed to the victory, as he struck out two batters in a scoreless seventh. The Braves' win marks their first NL East title since 2023 and their 24th in franchise history, tying the MLB record. They will continue their regular season with a home series against the Cincinnati Reds starting September 22.
- •Braves clinch NL East for first time since 2023.
- •Yastrzemski's sixth-inning homer extends Braves' lead.
- •AJ Smith-Shawver records two strikeouts in relief.
- •Braves tie MLB record with 24 division titles.
- •Next series against Cincinnati Reds begins September 22.
- 10:50 PMESPN MLB — Braves return to top of NL East with 7th title in 9 years
- 9:22 PMYahoo Sports — Atlanta Braves clinch 7th NL East title in 9 years
- 9:12 PMYahoo Sports — Braves clinch NL East title with 4-2 win over Astros
- 8:59 PMYahoo Sports — Braves clinch NL East title, as they complete a sweep in Houston
- 8:59 PMYahoo Sports — Atlanta Braves clinch NL East division
"The Atlanta Braves clinched their seventh NL East championship in nine years on Sunday with a 4-2 win over the Astros. Mike Yastrzemski hit a three-run homer during a four-run sixth inning to give the Braves the lead. Under first-year manager Walt Weiss, the Braves have rebounded after missing the playoffs last season with a disappointing 76-86 record and fourth-place finish in the NL East, snapping a streak of seven straight playoff appearances that included six consecutive NL East titles from 2018-23.
"Mike Yastrzemski hit a three-run homer during a four-run sixth inning and the Atlanta Braves clinched the NL East title for the seventh time in nine years with a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday. Ozzie Albies tied it at one with an RBI single before Yastrzemski’s homer to right off Bryan King (3-6). After finishing 76-86 and missing the playoffs last season, Atlanta bounced back this year under first-year manager Walt Weiss.
"The Atlanta Braves are National League East champions again for the first time since 2023 after their win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBSep 20, 2026, 10:50 PMBraves return to top of NL East with 7th title in 9 years
Under first-year manager Walt Weiss, Atlanta has rebounded after missing the playoffs last season.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 9:22 PMAtlanta Braves clinch 7th NL East title in 9 years
The Atlanta Braves clinched their seventh NL East championship in nine years on Sunday with a 4-2 win over the Astros. Mike Yastrzemski hit a three-run homer during a four-run sixth inning to give the Braves the lead. Under first-year manager Walt Weiss, the Braves have rebounded after missing the playoffs last season with a disappointing 76-86 record and fourth-place finish in the NL East, snapping a streak of seven straight playoff appearances that included six consecutive NL East titles from 2018-23.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 9:12 PMBraves clinch NL East title with 4-2 win over Astros
Mike Yastrzemski hit a three-run homer during a four-run sixth inning and the Atlanta Braves clinched the NL East title for the seventh time in nine years with a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday. Ozzie Albies tied it at one with an RBI single before Yastrzemski’s homer to right off Bryan King (3-6). After finishing 76-86 and missing the playoffs last season, Atlanta bounced back this year under first-year manager Walt Weiss.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 8:59 PMBraves clinch NL East title, as they complete a sweep in Houston
The Braves cruised past the Astros to clinch the division, behind strong pitching and a big sixth inning on offense
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 8:59 PMAtlanta Braves clinch NL East division
The Atlanta Braves are National League East champions again for the first time since 2023 after their win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
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