Braves Briefing: Atlanta is building another win streak
The Atlanta Braves have won three straight against the NL East division Miami Marlins. With the fourth and final game of the series happening this afternoon, the Braves are in a situation to build another streak.
Entering the week, we discussed on the Braves Today Podcast, how important these two series would be as Atlanta was set to play back-to-back series against NL East rivals. If Atlanta were to find a streak similar to the eight in a row that we saw earlier this season, it would create a ton of separation in the division as the New York Mets are on deck for the action this weekend.
The Atlanta Braves got to Sandy Alcantara
The Miami Marlins put their ace on the mound Wednesday night and though it took some time, the Braves were able to get some hits on the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner.
Alcantara lasted just 5.2 innings and gave up four hits, and two runs. He struck out six and walked three. After he was pulled, Atlanta was able to get runners across home with ease, scoring the final six runs of the contest.
If you pull for the Braves, it's hard not to see this as another reason to get excited about this lineup.
NL East Standings
Looking at the NL East over the last 10 games, there has not been a ton of separation by anyone. In fact, Philadelphia has the best mark over the last 10 games.
Atlanta: 6-4
NYM: 5-5
Miami: 4-6
Philadelphia: 7-3
Washington: 5-5
Here's what the updated standings look like...
| Team | Record | GB | Action Today |
|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta | 17-8 | - | Hosts Miami |
NYM | 14-11 | 3.0 | Hosts Washington |
Miami | 12-13 | 5.0 | @ Atlanta |
Philadelphia | 12-13 | 5.0 | Hosts Seattle |
Washington | 9-14 | 7.0 | @ NYM |
We wrote it
Braves Today writer and Locked On Braves host Jake Mastroianni wrote about Ronald Acuña being the most deadly player in baseball.
The numbers batting leadoff this season are absurd. He's 14-22 in the first inning this season with 2 walks, 8 runs scored, and 7 stolen bases.
In 16 of the 24 games the Braves have played this year, Acuña Jr. has gotten on base to begin the game. And in eight of those 24 games, he's scored a run. That has to be intimidating for the opposing pitcher and team knowing how quickly you can fall behind with Acuña Jr. atop the order.
Be sure to check out the full piece.
Watch Atlanta Braves highlights vs Miami
What's next?
Atlanta goes for the series sweep this afternoon at 12:20 ET, broadcast on Bally Sports South. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com.
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