Call to the pen
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Atlanta Braves historic pitching could signal World Series title

By David Hill

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 07: Ian Anderson #48 of the Atlanta Braves walks back to the dugout after pitching in the first inning against the Miami Marlins in Game Two of the National League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 07, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 07: Ian Anderson #48 of the Atlanta Braves walks back to the dugout after pitching in the first inning against the Miami Marlins in Game Two of the National League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 07, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves pitching staff has dominated the 2020 postseason in a way that only two other teams have done.

With few exceptions, the 2020 postseason has been a relative breeze for the Atlanta Braves. They have played four games thus far and won every single one of them, mostly shutting down the Reds and Marlins with ease.

Shutting down is the operative term. In the Braves first four postseason games, they have shut out the opposition three times, something that has been done only twice before.

Based on history, the Braves are set to win the World Series. The 1905 Giants defeated the Philadelphia A’s in five games, allowing three runs, all of which came in the loss in Game Two. The 1966 Orioles allowed just two runs, both of which came in Game One, and ended the series with an incredible 33 inning scoreless streak.

The unofficial courtship of Trevor Bauer. light. More Braves

Obviously, the Braves have a long way to go before even reaching the World Series. They still have to finish off the Marlins, then will need to get past the winner of the Dodgers-Padres series. And then, if they do get that far, they will need to defeat the American League representative.

But thus far, the Braves pitching staff has done their part. Excluding a five run outburst by Miami in Game One of the NLDS, they have held the opposition off the board, including in their 13 inning marathon against the Reds. Ian Anderson has emerged as a budding star, throwing 11.1 shutout innings with 17 strikeouts in his two postseason appearances, a performance all the more impressive considering that he had just six regular season appearances prior to October.

Anderson will not be able to do this alone. Max Fried was stellar in Game One of the Wild Card round. Kyle Wright will need to step up to give the Braves a trio of talented young arms during their postseason run, especially given the questionable nature of the back of their rotation.

Next. Time to extend Freddie Freeman. dark

At this point, the Atlanta Braves pitching staff has been on a historic run. Based on history, that run could lead to a World Series title.

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