Sep 3, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia (13) heads to home plate after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves have has a productive week with a pair of sweeps over San Diego and Philadelphia. Now comes the test, which starts with a holiday afternoon affair in Washington.
When looking at team batting stats over the past 2 weeks, it’s easy to get caught up in ‘small sample size’ hot takes. Yet after a very slow start to this 2-16 season, it’s probably okay to indulge in such things – briefly – when discussing our Atlanta Braves. So let’s have some fun with it:
Braves’ Team Ranks/Last 14 Days
That is a playoff-caliber offense, though it has come at the expense of the Padres and Phillies – but you also have to note that this 2 week period includes the games against Arizona and San Francisco.
If you’d like to go further back, the Braves lost 3 of 4 to the Nationals at Turner Field, though scored 24 runs in the process… so there is actually reason for some optimism as Atlanta swings into the Washington Navy Yards this afternoon… if the pitching can hold up this time ’round.
Aug 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tyrell Jenkins (61) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Last Chance: Gwinnett Braves Must Win to Reach Playoffs
More from Tomahawk Take
Today is the last day of the regular season for most minor leagues… and let me set this up for you:
Gwinnett was “there” until this weekend: losses to Durham (14-0, 7-3) put them in the position of having to beat the Charlotte Knights in one o the last two games Sunday or Today.
A 7-1 loss yesterday means that it’s now down to … today. Win or go home.
One More Shot
At 2:05pm ET today, Tyrell Jenkins will start against the White Sox’ Charlotte Knights affiliate for the right to represent the South Division of the International League in the AAA playoffs.
Now mind you, neither of these teams is exactly rolling into the post-season: Charlotte is 13 games below .500 and Gwinnett is 14 below. But Charlotte has won three straight to give themselves a chance – and indeed this was their only scenario: to win 4 straight to finish the year while Gwinnett loses 4 straight. But it could happen today as these teams finish against one another.
Whoever wins out will face a tough task, for the other playoff participants have owned the league this year:
But today: Gwinnett needs just one win – nothing else matters.
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