Can't say that Braves games' 8th innings aren't action-packed.Wow. Just wow.
I'm amazed that the Braves have done as well as they have in spite of lacking in this department. The way that the game has evolved, the bullpen has arguably become the most important part of a team when it comes to separating a championship-caliber squad from a merely solid one.For me, the worst thing besides for the bullpen blowing another game, is the fact that the front office did nothing to address it before the trade deadline. Everyone knew the biggest need was in the bullpen and instead of picking up an established guy, they got castoffs from other teams. And they did that knowing that their closer was not healthy. I don't get it. I haven't been a fan of how Snitker has utilized the pen all year but he hasn't gotten any help from those above him.
I agree about the pen. Vizcaino should be back next year but it's not like he's lights out. Maybe Minter will develop into a dependable closer but those who pitch before him has to be addressed too. Six years ago you knew the game was in the bag after the sixth inning when the Braves ran out Venters and O'Flaherty ahead of Kimbrel.Honestly, the bullpen will be their undoing in the playoffs, but this team has won me over, a year earlier than expected. What a fun season, with someone different it seems being the hero every night.
Today's math analysis.
With 17 games remaining, the Braves are 81-64. If they finish 9-8, they'll have a record of 90-72.
The Phillies are 74-70. If the above happens, they would have to go 17-1 to overtake them.
Washington at 73-72 would be eliminated regardless.
Magic number for the Nats is 8.Gotta feeling the Nats catch the Phils
With the projected path of Florence, I figured the entire weekend series against the Nats would be in jeopardy but the forecast looks good right now.
82
64
Magic number 10
It's just a single game between the Cubs and Nats. Washington is at Atlanta beginning tomorrow.Neither the Braves nor Phils play today, but the Nats begin a series against the Cubs this afternoon. Hopefully, Chicago has a sense of urgency that will play to Atlanta's benefit as the Brewers have drawn to within a game of them for the lead in the Central.
A one-game series.It's just a single game between the Cubs and Nats. Washington is at Atlanta beginning tomorrow.
The Braves get Scherzer tonight but the Nats haven't announced a starter for the next two games. Atlanta needs to keep the momentum of the road series going and get 2/3 this weekend.
The Marlins are at Philadelphia. Miami took theirlast series down there. It will be interesting to see if the Phillies have just given up at this point.
Gausman tonight followed by Teheran tomorrow on probable pitchers.
Gausman had his first poor outing in Arizona. The Braves will need him to return to form tonight.Gausman tonight followed by Teheran tomorrow on probable pitchers.
Gausman had his first poor outing in Arizona. The Braves will need him to return to form tonight.