2020 MLB Season: Simulating NL games, June 22-26

In this 2020 MLB season simulation, the Braves won three of four with the Phillies.

Perhaps there is finally a clear favorite in the NL East race.

The Atlanta Braves stepped forward in this week’s iteration of the 2020 NL simulation, taking three games of a four-game series with their chief rivals in the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies. The victories gave Atlanta something that has been elusive in the East all season: a multi-game advantage.

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As the simulated 2020 season passes its halfway point, the Braves have opened up a three-game edge on the Phillies. Beyond that, the schedule will give the Braves a chance to hold on to that lead since they don’t meet the Phillies again until mid-August.

The four-game showdown in Atlanta started well enough for the visitors, who won Monday’s contest 5-3 in 10 innings on Bryce Harper’s two-run home run off Mark Melancon. The Braves, however, dominated the final three games.

Atlanta moved back into first with a 13-8 pounding of Jake Arrieta, 4-4, and four Phillies relievers Tuesday. Austin Riley homered twice and drove in five runs, and the Braves generated 16 hits.

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s two-run first-inning home run got things started Wednesday, and the Braves rolled from there against Zach Eflin to a 7-3 win. All seven Braves runs scored on homers, the others being solo blasts by Adeiny Hechavarria (two), Marcell Ozuna, Freddie Freeman, and Nick  Markakis.

In Thursday’s wrapup, Atlanta touched Phillies starter Zach Wheeler for four fifth-inning runs on the way to a 5-2 decision behind Mike Foltyniewicz, 9-2. Johan Camargo’s double drove in two of those runs. Shane Greene picked up his 17th save.

The meeting in Atlanta wasn’t the only collision of division leaders. In Phoenix, the Los Angeles Dodgers took two of three from the Arizona Diamondbacks to tighten that race. In other NL action this week, the Chicago Cubs dealt Cincinnati a blow in the Central, sweeping the Reds in three games at Great American Ballpark.   But the St. Louis Cardinals gained only a minimal advantage, splitting a four-game series with the Marlins in Miami.

The Pittsburgh Pirates won three of four from the Nationals in Washington, and the New York Mets took three of four from the Giants in San Francisco. In inter-league action, the Toronto Blue Jays swept a three-game series in Milwaukee, the Cleveland Indians took two games from the Padres in San Diego and the Colorado Rockies won two of three from the Kansas City Royals.