Atlanta Braves: Six-game losing streak a sign of things to come?

May 2, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward (22) leans on the dugout bench during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

After today’s 4-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants, the Atlanta Braves are one bad game away from losing a week’s worth of games in consecutive outings.

Today, the team managed to put just four hits on the board. The top five hitters in the lineup combined to go 0-17 with eight strikeouts and eight runners left on. Clearly, the odds of winning today’s game didn’t start early, and it didn’t end with the offensive fireworks the Braves needed.

Now 17-13, Atlanta is quickly being chased from behind by the Washington Nationals. The division rivals are just .5 games out of the first place spot, and they’re climbing the standings quickly. A few more bad performances from Atlanta will lead to a first-place team residing in Washington.

When you look at the Braves and see some numbers, you have to wonder if things are going downhill quickly. Here are a few concerning stats:

Jason Heyward: .220 batting average (26-118)

Six losses in one run games

Luis Avilan: 14 appearances, 8.1 innings, 13 hits, six walks, 6.48 ERA, .361 opponent average

To add to some poor performances around the board, the Braves have to play the Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Brewers in 13 of their next 16 games. All three of those teams have the potential to win big games against the Braves.

So, what do the boys in Georgia do from here? Is it possible their skid continues into the month of May, or will they turn it around against some extremely solid teams?