The Braves fall to the Yankees 12-9 on July 20, 2025, after Trent Grisham's walk-off grand slam off Pierce Johnson. Recap the stunning ninth-inning loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Tied 8-8 in the ninth, the game was decided by one swing: Trent Grisham's grand slam that sealed the 12-9 loss for Atlanta.
For eight innings, the Braves went toe-to-toe with the Yankees in a classic slugfest. The offense showed plenty of life, highlighted by a massive three-run homer from Ozzie Albies that kept Atlanta in the fight. Sean Murphy added a double, Baldwin drove in a run, and even the defense shined with a brilliant outfield assist from Ronald Acuña Jr. Spencer Strider delivered a typical performance, piling up his strikeouts, but the game was ultimately handed to the bullpen. Unfortunately, that's where the story took its devastating turn.
The late-game collapse puts a glaring spotlight on the Braves' bullpen. Pierce Johnson was tasked with a high-leverage situation in a tie game and couldn't escape, serving up the game-deciding grand slam. This loss stings more because it feels like a familiar script. While the front office made no moves on Sunday, fans are anxiously watching. The recent shuffling of arms like Michael Petersen and Austin Cox between Atlanta and Gwinnett shows the team is actively searching for a reliable formula, but Sunday's result proves a more permanent solution is desperately needed.
Help could be on the way, but not immediately. The good news is that key reliever Joe Jiménez is progressing from his knee surgery and is targeting an August return, a development the team is desperate for. His veteran presence would be a massive boost to the beleaguered bullpen. On the prospect front, infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. remains sidelined with an oblique strain from late June, delaying the potential debut of one of the organization's top young talents. For now, the Braves have to battle with the roster they have.
This loss is a tough pill to swallow, dropping the Braves further behind in the NL East and capping a frustrating series. The offense is clicking, but the bullpen remains the team's Achilles' heel. With the trade deadline fast approaching and key injuries still a factor, the pressure is mounting on the front office. The Braves must shake this one off quickly and find answers, because the path to October doesn't get any easier from here.
