Braves Starters Reason For Success In Biggest Home Stand
The Braves home stand against the New York Mets and Houston Astros was the best stretch for Atlanta’s startingpitchers facing quality opponents. In six of the teams seven starts pitchers gave up two runs or fewer. All but two, Spencer Strider and Jake Odorizzi against the Mets, threw more than six innings. Atlanta outscored New York and Houston 43-21 over the seven games, finishing the home stand at 5-2.
The biggest positive for the Braves was the performance of Charlie Morton. Morton’s line for his two starts against the Mets and Astros: 12.2 innings, 2 ER, 23 Ks, and 3 BBs. Morton improving his performance was one of the biggest keys to Atlanta having a strong second half. If he pitches at this level the Braves have a much better chance of repeating.
Clutch Hitting Helps Atlanta Improve Record Against Contenders
Michael Harris, Vaughn Grissom, Travis d’Arnaud, and Matt Olson all had clutch hits for Atlanta. Some were not hard hit but they did help the Braves win an epic game against Houston, for example.
The reason the series win versus the Mets and Astros was so important was because of the Braves record versus teams .500 or better. Atlanta is still two games under .500 against MLB’s best but winning five games against two contenders gives the team confidence going into the playoffs.
Braves Schedule Gets Easier
The Braves schedule now lightens up with four out of their next five series versus teams below .500. The St Louis Cardinals are the only winning team Atlanta faces. The Mets schedule is not too difficult for the rest of the season either. It adds up to their September 30-October 2 series in Atlanta deciding the NL East.
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