Braves Closing In on NL East Title as Playoff Push Enters September
The Atlanta Braves are in firm control of the NL East as September unfolds, sitting comfortably ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies with a playoff berth all but assured. Projections give the Braves a 97.9% chance of reaching the 2026 postseason, and their magic number to clinch a playoff spot sits at 11. With a healthy division cushion built up over the season, Atlanta doesn't need a hot September to close things out — winning just half of their remaining 24 games this month would be enough to lock up the NL East outright. The bigger question for the Braves now is less about making the playoffs and more about seeding: a strong finish could set up a first-round bye, giving the roster extra rest before the postseason grind begins. After years of Atlanta being a fixture in October baseball, the front office and fan base alike are watching September less for suspense and more for positioning.
Sep 6, 2026
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Atlanta United Battles Back for 2-2 Draw Against Messi's Inter Miami
Atlanta United salvaged a point at Nu Stadium on Friday night, fighting to a 2-2 draw against a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami side that came in red-hot off a 7-1 win over CF Montreal. The match was delayed more than 90 minutes by heavy rain and lightning that flooded the pitch before kickoff, pushing the 7:30 p.m. start well into the night. Once play got underway, Messi factored directly into Inter Miami's offense again, picking up two assists to extend his league-leading scoring involvement this season — he now sits at 18 goals and 9 assists, two goals clear of FC Dallas' Petar Musa for the MLS scoring lead. Despite facing one of the league's most dangerous attacks on the road, Atlanta United held on for the draw rather than folding, clawing back after Inter Miami threatened to pull away. The result keeps Atlanta competitive in a season that's been a grind, while Inter Miami stays second in the Eastern Conference at 42 points through 22 matches.
Sep 6, 2026
Howard Tops Alabama A&M in Atlanta Season-Opener Watched by Millions
Howard University and Alabama A&M kicked off the 2026 HBCU football season in downtown Atlanta with the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, drawing alumni and fans from both schools for the season-opening showdown. Howard's Bisons edged Alabama A&M's Bulldogs 31-24 in a game that drew 1.2 million viewers, making it one of ESPN's most-watched college football broadcasts of opening weekend, according to Sports Illustrated. Both schools' marching bands delivered halftime performances that added to the event's energy. The matchup, sponsored by Cricket Wireless, continues the carrier's longstanding partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference supporting HBCU athletes and campus communities, including through its HBCU Campus Ambassador Program. Alabama A&M kicker David Faulk, one of the program's newest ambassadors, spoke with reporters after the game about joining the paid, year-long initiative, which offers mentorship and marketing experience. Faulk said he was drawn to Cricket Wireless because of shared values around reliability, a trait he tries to embody as a kicker. Now in his third year at the position after switching from soccer, Faulk credited daily journaling and affirmations, along with his faith, for helping him manage pressure. He also praised Alabama A&M, the largest HBCU in Alabama, for fostering his growth on and off the field. The event set the tone for a season expected to bring more high-profile HBCU matchups to Atlanta.
Sep 6, 2026