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Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves exceed expectations in 2026 MLB season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 2:43 PM

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves exceed expectations in 2026 MLB season

Summary

As the MLB regular season reaches its midpoint, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves stand out in the National League. The Pirates, currently with a 44-44 record, show notable improvements in their offense, raising their batting average to.260 and OPS to.759, despite ongoing pitching struggles. Meanwhile, the Braves lead the NL East but saw a dip in performance in June, going 9-13 and narrowing their lead to 2.5 games. Manager Walt Weiss remains focused on team improvement, having seen several players excel this season, contributing to the team's unexpected competitiveness following a disappointing 2025.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Pirates improved their batting average to.260, third-best in MLB.
•Atlanta Braves maintain a 2.5-game lead in the NL East.
•Walt Weiss emphasizes focus on team performance amid recent struggles.
•Pittsburgh's offensive growth contrasts with persistent pitching issues.
•Braves' success attributed to standout performances and All-Star finalists.

Latest Updates

2:43 PMYahoo Sports — Which NL Teams are Exceeding Expectations at the Midway Point?

What they're saying

"
The 2026 Major League Baseball regular season is now officially past the halfway point. The National League is highly competitive this year, and while teams such as the Dodgers and Cubs are performing as expected, some teams have burst onto the scene, far exceeding expectations and making the league even more competitive. The Pittsburgh Pirates […] The post Which NL Teams are Exceeding Expectations at the Midway Point? appeared first on The Lead.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Dodgers Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Baseball