Braves clinch playoff spot with three homers in win over Astros
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 4:34 AM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026
The Atlanta Braves secured a playoff berth in the National League after defeating the Houston Astros 6-2 on September 18, 2026. The Braves hit three two-run homers, with Ronald Acuña Jr. contributing significantly by hitting two homers. Tyler Mahle pitched effectively, fanning multiple batters while allowing only one earned run. The victory also reduced the magic number for clinching the division to three, as the Philadelphia Phillies lost their game on the same night. The series between the Braves and Astros will continue on September 19.
- •Braves hit three two-run homers in the victory.
- •Tyler Mahle allowed just one earned run in his start.
- •Acuña Jr. hit two home runs to extend his strong performance.
- •Magic number to clinch the division now stands at three.
- •Braves and Astros continue their series on September 19.
- 5:30 AMESPN MLB — Braves clinch 8th playoff berth in 9 years with win over Astros
- 3:55 AMYahoo Sports — Braves clinch a playoff berth with a 6-2 win over Astros
- 3:26 AMYahoo Sports — Atlanta Braves clinch 8th playoff berth in 9 years with victory over Astros
- 3:08 AMYahoo Sports — Braves punch playoff ticket as Harris, Acuña and Olson launch 2-run homers in 6-2 win over Astros
- 2:54 AMYahoo Sports — Braves clinch postseason bid with three homers in win over Astros
"The Atlanta Braves are back in the playoffs after missing out last season. The first-place Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Friday night to punch their ticket to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years. Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer to help the Braves bounce back after dropping two of three games to the Chicago Cubs this week.
"Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer as the Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night. The Braves secured at least a National League wild card and reduced their magic number to three for winning the NL East. Atlanta is heading to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years.
"Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer as the Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night. The Braves secured at least a National League wild card and reduced their magic number to three for winning the NL East. Atlanta is heading to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBSep 19, 2026, 5:30 AMBraves clinch 8th playoff berth in 9 years with win over Astros
The Atlanta Braves are back in the playoffs after missing out last season.
- Yahoo SportsSep 19, 2026, 3:55 AMBraves clinch a playoff berth with a 6-2 win over Astros
Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer as the Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night. The Braves secured at least a National League wild card and reduced their magic number to three for winning the NL East. Atlanta is heading to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years.
- Yahoo SportsSep 19, 2026, 3:26 AMAtlanta Braves clinch 8th playoff berth in 9 years with victory over Astros
The Atlanta Braves are back in the playoffs after missing out last season. The first-place Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Friday night to punch their ticket to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years. Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer to help the Braves bounce back after dropping two of three games to the Chicago Cubs this week.
- Yahoo SportsSep 19, 2026, 3:08 AMBraves punch playoff ticket as Harris, Acuña and Olson launch 2-run homers in 6-2 win over Astros
Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two-run homer as the Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night. The Braves secured at least a National League wild card and reduced their magic number to three for winning the NL East. Atlanta is heading to the postseason for the eighth time in nine years.
- Yahoo SportsSep 19, 2026, 2:54 AMBraves clinch postseason bid with three homers in win over Astros
The Braves hit three more two-run homers and Tyler Mahle was excellent once again as Atlanta took down the Houston Astros, 6-2, and clinched a playoff bid in the National League. The Phillies also lost on Friday night, so the magic number for the division sits at three. The bats were quiet in the early […]
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