The Braves' offense erupted early and Spencer Strider dominated as Atlanta handed the Yankees a decisive 7-3 loss Friday night at Truist Park. Ronald Acuña Jr. set the tone with a 2-for-3 performance, reaching base three times and scoring twice, while Ozzie Albies delivered the knockout blow—a three-run homer that capped a four-RBI night. The Braves' lineup feasted on Yankees pitching, with six different players recording hits before the fifth inning, building a lead that never felt in doubt.

Strider was nearly untouchable through six scoreless frames, striking out eight while allowing just three hits, before the Yankees finally broke through in the seventh. Giancarlo Stanton's two-run single provided New York's only real resistance, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome Atlanta's early barrage. The loss drops the Yankees further back in the playoff chase, while the Braves—led by their red-hot MVP candidate Acuña and a resurgent Albies—continue their summer surge with another statement win.