Drake Baldwin’s leadoff homer on Aug. 27, 2026 did more than get the Braves on the board. It was the only run in a 1-0 win over the Dodgers, which puts it in some very exclusive company.
Per the Elias Sports Bureau, Baldwin’s blast was the 33rd time in the Modern Era, dating to 1900, that a leadoff home run supplied the lone scoring in a 1-0 game. That list stretches across the National League, American League and the Federal League, and it’s a reminder of just how strange baseball can get when one swing decides everything.
The most recent examples have come fast. Before Baldwin, Zach Neto did it for the Angels on April 4, 2026 against Emerson Hancock and Oneil Cruz pulled it off for the Pirates on April 17, 2025 against Trevor Williams.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. joined the group for the Marlins on May 22, 2024 against Freddy Peralta, and Gunnar Henderson did the same for the Orioles on Sept. 26, 2023 against Josiah Gray. Kyle Schwarber’s leadoff shot for the Phillies on June 6, 2023 against Tyler Alexander also fits the bill.
The list keeps rolling back through the years: Chad Pinder for the Athletics on April 27, 2022 against Sam Long, Robbie Grossman for the Tigers on July 17, 2021 against Charlie Barnes, and Nick Markakis for the Orioles on Aug. 3, 2014 against Hisashi Iwakuma. Michael Bourn did it for the Indians on July 27, 2013 against Yu Darvish, while Gerardo Parra got the D-backs on the board with a leadoff homer on May 18, 2013 against Tom Koehler.
There are plenty of familiar names deeper in the history, too. Jimmy Rollins did it for the Phillies on Aug. 14, 2012 against Josh Johnson.
Ichiro Suzuki went deep for the Mariners on April 23, 2009 against James Shields. Alfonso Soriano did it for the Cubs on May 9, 2007 against Tom Gorzelanny.
Kazuo Matsui did it for the Mets on May 12, 2004 against Randy Johnson.
The older entries underline how rare this has always been. Pete Rose did it for the Reds on Sept. 2, 1963 against Jay Hook.
Bobby Bonds hit one for the Giants on April 28, 1973 against Reggie Cleveland, and Wayne Garrett did it for the Mets on Sept. 7, 1973 against Steve Renko. Before that came Don Money for the Brewers on April 26, 1976 against Frank Tanana, Willie Wilson for the Royals on Aug. 25, 1979 against Mike Torrez, and Terry Puhl for the Astros on May 20, 1979 against Gaylord Perry.
The full list reaches all the way back to Harry Lumley, who did it for the Superbas on April 29, 1906 against Bill Duggleby. In between are names like Harry Hooper, who homered for the Red Sox on May 30, 1913 against Walter Johnson, and Jim Kelly of the Pittsburgh Rebels in the Federal League on May 11, 1915 against Fred Anderson.
It’s a tiny slice of baseball history, but a memorable one: a leadoff homer, no more offense, and a 1-0 final.
In Other News...
Braves Quietly Added Catching Depth That Could Matter Later
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Robinson has already gotten into games for Triple-A Gwinnett, which is exactly the kind of low-profile depth play clubs lean on when they are trying to stay protected for later in the year. Catching depth is rarely the headline until it suddenly matters, and the Braves have at least given themselves another option if their situation at the position gets tested down the road. [Read more 🡒]
Braves Send A Notable Lineup Message With Colorado Series Opening
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Colorado is countering with Jake McCarthy leading off, Hunter Goodman catching and TJ Rumfield batting cleanup, so the opening game already carries a few interesting layers beyond the usual division-versus-rebuilding-opponent setup. For Atlanta, the immediate question is less about the opponent and more about how the new alignment plays out, especially with Acua back in a run-producing role and the club looking for the right mix around him. [Read more 🡒]
Braves May Have Finally Found An Answer At Shortstop
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The expanded run suggests Dubon is no longer just filling in, but getting a chance to show he can handle the job on a more regular basis. The competition is still open in name, yet the pattern of playing time points to a growing level of trust in what he can provide both in the field and at the plate, which is exactly what Atlanta has been trying to find all season. [Read more 🡒]