St. Louis Cardinals rally to 11-5 win over Atlanta Braves

The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Atlanta Braves 11-5 on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Jordan Walker opened the scoring with a three‑run homer in the first inning, ending a 14‑game homerless streak, and added an RBI single later in the game. Nathan Church’s two‑run homer in the seventh inning sparked a seven‑run rally that erased a 5-3 deficit. Alec Burleson later homered in the ninth to seal the victory.

Pitcher Gordon Graceffo earned the win for St. Louis, while Braves starter Hurston Waldrep, making his first start after elbow surgery, gave up three runs in 5 ⅓ innings. St. Louis starter Dustin May left the game early after being struck by a batted ball that appeared to injure his ankle; he exited without completing an inning and his ERA rose to 4.80. The win gave the Cardinals three victories in their last four games and a 2‑1 lead in the series.

The result moves the Cardinals ahead in the National League East race as the season approaches its second half.