Takeaways: Braves win game one in Washington 10-3 over the Nats

After losing 5 of their last 6, the Braves got back in the win column tonight behind a big game from Ozzie Albies

After being swept by the Marlins and losing a series against the Phillies, the Braves returned to the win column tonight in Washington, winning the game 10-3. The Braves are now 98-55 this season and still have the best record in baseball.

Max the Ace

Max Fried skipped his last start due to a hotspot on his finger, but returned to the mound tonight and looked like the ace that he is. He showed no signs of a blister or discomfort on his hand. He pitched six strong innings with seven strikeouts, giving up three hits and one earned run.

Max should have two more starts before the postseason begins. Tonight was exactly what the Braves are looking for from Max as the regular season winds down. The Nationals had a few runners on base, but Max was in control throughout the game. As the Braves look toward the postseason, having Fried and Strider at the top of the rotation is as good as any team's one-two punch.

Ozzie Had Himself Quite the Night

Ozzie Albies put on a show tonight, with four hits and four RBIs. His two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning gave the Braves a 10-1 lead. He now has 32 home runs and 103 RBIs on the season - joining Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. as the three Braves players with 100 RBIs so far this year.

How many runs has @ozzie driven in tonight?

🔥🔥🔥🔥#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/1I6bwu1CIy

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 22, 2023

Magic Numbers

The Braves have already clinched the National League East and now have their sights set on clinching home-field advantage during the playoffs. With tonight’s win, and the Oriole's loss, the magic number is now six for the NLCS and the World Series. The Dodgers are still playing at the time of publishing, if they lose, the magic number will drop to five for the NLCS.

What's next? 

Atlanta's sending Charlie Morton to the mound for Friday night's game two, facing off against veteran lefty Patrick Corbin. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET, and the broadcast will be on Bally Sports Southeast. 

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