Atlanta Braves: Something magical is happening in Atlanta
Did the Atlanta Braves (45-45) really just sweep the NL Wild Card leading Arizona Diamondbacks (53-39)? Yes, yes they did.
For the first time since April 17th the Braves have reached .500 after narrowly faltering a handful of times this season. This Atlanta squad by no means was meant to be sitting where they are to start the second half of the season, and currently sit only 5.5 GB of the Colorado Rockies for the second Wild Card.
With the three game sweep, the Braves not only started this potentially season-ending stretch of games on the right note, but also own a .500 record after the All-Star break for the first time since September 15, 2014.
So what does all this mean? And most importantly, are the Braves a legitimate threat to the NL Wild Card?
All season long Atlanta has toed the line as a ball club ready to break through, but has always come short of getting to .500. While some are rejoicing about the Braves doing the unthinkable and taking the series against a more-than-likely playoff team, the road is not going to get any easier.
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Monday night, the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs (46-45) are coming to town, and believe me they’re in need of some momentum too. For the majority of the season the Cubbies have struggled to find any rhythm, and this clash between the Braves and Cubs has potential postseason undertones.
Things won’t get any easier for the Braves following their series with Chicago, because they will then travel out west for a four game set to visit the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and then fly back east to face the Philadelphia Phillies.
Look, by no means am I downgrading what the Braves just accomplished this weekend against Arizona, because it was nothing shy of incredible. Something special is happening here in Atlanta, and if you need proof, look at the record attendance of over 41,000 that was set Saturday night. The fans are ready for the Braves to return to their glory days. The upcoming stretch is still one that will challenge this young team, but presents them with their one true golden opportunity of the season.
If this team can take the series against the Cubs, hold their own against the NL leading Dodgers, and rediscover their groove against the Diamondbacks, then this Braves team could be staring at a potential 9-4 record during this stretch. This once written off Braves team would be above .500 heading into Philadelphia with a chance to catch their stride going into August.
Next: Nats improve bullpen via trade
Call me a dreamer. Call me a very hopeful spectator. Something is happening here in Atlanta, Georgia ladies and gentlemen. And believe me, there’s no better time to follow this team than now.