The Atlanta Braves went into New York over the weekend and swept the New York Mets thanks to Josh Donaldson and Dallas Keuchel.
Josh Donaldson and Dallas Keuchel had phenomenal performances yesterday for the Atlanta Braves to complete a weekend sweep of the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Remember a little while ago when the Mets were the team everyone was talking about? They went on a long win streak and people started freaking out and thought they would make the playoffs? Now they aren’t out of the race, but the Braves brought them back down to earth.
Donaldson has quietly had a great season for the Braves, slashing .265/.379/.538 with 32 home runs and 76 RBI’s. Donaldson counted for all the Braves runs in the sweep clinching game Sunday with two home runs in the 2-1 win.
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It also helps Donaldson, when there are several other outstanding players in the lineup. Mainly Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman who are slashing .292/.375/.530 and .300/.391/.570 respectively.
Keuchel also dominated the Mets lineup, going 7 innings without allowing a run, walking three and striking out seven for the win.
With Keuchel signing so late in the season he has been flying under the radar. He is 5-5 with a 3.78 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 78 2/3 innings. He has been a great acquisition for the Braves.
His arrival strengthened an already strong rotation with the likes of Mike Soroka, Julio Teheran and Max Fried. The team is 10th in the majors in team ERA at 4.28.
Meanwhile the Braves have won 8 in a row to push their lead in the division to six games over the Washington Nationals at 80-52 on the year.
This is a young team that intrigues me as the playoffs get closer. They are poised to do damage, despite the Los Angeles Dodgers being the overwhelming favorite to come out of the National League this year.
Don’t count them out. They are legitimate contenders and are probably only a few players away from making a serious World Series push.